During the May 14, 2026 meeting, Carlos Township discussed the proposed joint fire hall under a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA), including funding responsibilities and a potential referendum. The timeline to place a referendum on the November 2026 General Election ballot was deemed unattainable because design work would not be ready by the required July 29 notice deadline, leaving the project’s schedule and funding approach in flux. Board members also discussed possibly combining both fire district levies so the entire township would pay, and residents raised concerns about Carlos Township’s proposed 75 percent cost share and ownership terms with the City of Carlos.Although no design or construction contracts are ready, this indicates an evolving capital project with complex financing, public communication, and facility planning needs. Vendors in public safety facility design, financial advisory, public engagement, and grant consulting can engage to help refine the project scope, funding strategy, and community messaging before it advances to formal design and referendum stages.

Resident requested access to all JPA documents, including designs and contracts, for attorney review, indicating heightened scrutiny of project costs and governance.