Newberry Village Manager Allison Watkins shared a list of accomplishments made in 2025 at the village and village manager levels. She also provided a look at what to expect from the village in 2026. Here is Watkins’ list:
Village
– Installation of new backup generator at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
– Supported Community Action Grant Application to bring a new senior housing complex to the Village
– Upgraded emergency outage reporting system to 24 Hour, manned dispatch
– Zoning Nonconformities FAQ mailing sent out to all Village residents
– Adoption of first ever Village of Newberry Zoning Ordinance
– Applied for 2026 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund assistance for Lead Service Line Replacement – was not awarded
– Secured $3,500,000 loan to install a new activated sludge storage tank at the WWTP
– CWSRF loan from EGLE with 13% loan forgiveness
– Secured a $605,000 grant from the EPA and EGLE to offset the cost of the storage tank installation at WWTP
– EPA Sewer Overflow & Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant Award (OSG)
With potential for an additional $605,000 in grant funds in 2026
– Topographic Mapping and Soil Boring completed at the WWTP as part of the 2026 storage tank project
– Upgraded WWTP heating system
– Well 6 Upgrades: full acid cleaning of screens and grates, replaced all well piping and installed a new pump.
– New partnership with the Michigan Community Action Energy United (EU) program and CleaResult consultants to manage the Village’s Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) plan green energy rebates.
– One year partnership agreement implemented with the Luce County Sheriff’s Department for part-time deputy.
– Worked with Railroad to upgrade the E. McMillan/ Parmlee railroad crossing.
– Replacement of full roof on Water & Light Building partially complete, with project final in 2026.
– Successful and on-time completion of 2024 Audit
– Secured easements to allow road improvements to provide VON direct access to village property via W. Victory Way.
– Worked with property owner to ensure the old roller rink building was demolished and the site was properly and completely cleared of debris.
– Efficient and timely response to substation power outage
– Upgrades to electric substation
– Full repair and upgrades completed to lighted boughs that are part of the full Christmas Bells decoration scheme
– Purchase of additional snowplow truck to offset the aging fleet
– Applied for associate membership in the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA)
– Adopted 2026 Operating Budget
– 13,000 linear feet of cured in place lined sewer lines televised to ensure 2024 lining project was successful.
Village Manager
– Re-certified as a MSU Extension Master Citizen Planner
– Certified as Zoning Administrator
– Recognized as an emerging rural leader for participation in a year long training cohort implemented by the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity and MSU Extension
– Participated in a MSU Extension training for elected and appointment officials
– OSHA10 Certification
– MEDC Redevelopment Ready Training participant
– Attended Michigan Municipal Electric Association (MMEA) annul conference and membership meeting
– Participated in MSU Extension Short Term Rentals (STR) Policy training
Looking ahead: 2026 projects
– Completion of Water & Light Building Roof Replacement
– WWTP Storage Tank Replacement
– Electric Utility Line Brushing and Clearing Project
– EWR rebates and opportunities via CleaResult
– Installation of security fencing around Village well and sand pit property
– New stainless steel snow box will be installed on Village plow truck
