Polk Township’s millage rate will remain unchanged in 2026 at 0.62 mills. However, the recycling fee will increase for next year by $10, to $135, as Waste Management raised prices.

Also under the spending plan, a second trash permit will remain $2 and a replacement $3.

The township intends to have a recently hired solid waste and recycling center employee, a former employee of Waste Management, haul recycling rather than Waste Management in 2026.

Copies of the proposed budget are available at the township office. Any resident who would like to give input can attend the general meeting at 8 a.m. on Dec. 11.

In other business:

• The township is getting ready for winter, having put spreaders and plows on most of the trucks and obtaining four loads of salt.

• An application for a state Local Share Account grant will be completed for a new loader.

• A conditional use hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 22 before the 6 p.m. budget meeting for the property at 660 Interchange Road. This property is next to a school, and the owners want to utilize it as a door manufacturing company.

• At 4 p.m. on Dec. 7, a tree-lighting ceremony will be held across from the Veterans Memorial, inside the church off Interchange Road.

• The fire company reported 19 emergencies for the month and conducted 236 hours of training and 86 hours of fundraising. Santa will be at the firehouse on Dec. 21 for a made-to-order breakfast.