Our Progress & The Road Ahead

This page is designed to keep you updated on the accomplishments we’ve shared and the challenges we still face as a community. I believe in being open about the wins we can celebrate and the areas where hard work still lies ahead. By sharing both sides, I hope to show not only how far we’ve come but also where we’re headed and how each of us can play a role in building Holly’s future.

Progress So Far

Financial Responsibility and Transparency
  • Established the First Responder Special Assessment, balanced the budget, and prevented state takeover.
  • Hired a qualified Village Manager, Clerk-Treasurer, and Deputy Finance Officer to strengthen leadership, improve operations, and ensure fiscal accountability.
  • Conducted public audits and implemented cost saving measures.
  • Updated fee schedules and reviewed tap in rates and user charges to reduce costs for residents and ease the burden of waterway maintenance.
  • Hired a new auditing firm.
  • Hired Municipal Analytics to conduct an independent analysis of the financial feasibility and long term impacts of cityhood.

Public Safety Enhancements
  • Expanded police coverage to better protect our community and surrounding municipalities.
  • Promoted Chief Watson and Assistant Fire Chief Nitschke.
  • Approved the purchase of a new ladder truck and police vehicles.
  • Brought in a Chaplain to serve our First Responders.
  • Placed School Resource Officers in our schools to improve student safety.
  • Began generating revenue by expanding use of our in-house public safety training facility for other municipalities.

Planning for the Future
  • Explored cityhood as a way to reduce taxes and strengthen Holly's long term financial future.
  • Directed the Planning Commission to address short term rentals and develop a comprehensive Capital Improvements Plan.
  • Developed legacy documents to ensure continuity and smooth leadership transitions.
  • Created the Millpond Committee to assess and plan for the future of Stiff's Millpond.
  • Advanced infrastructure improvements with a focus on sustainability.

Community Improvements
  • Upgraded parks with contributions from local businesses.
  • Approved a new administration building completed with approximately $500,000 in material costs and donated labor. The building is now valued at approximately $2.1 million, strengthening Village assets and securing municipal operations.
  • Purchased a key downtown property valued at approximately $250,000 for $75,000, recovering nearly $200,000 in unpaid fines and preserving local influence over future redevelopment.
  • Recognized retired staff for their dedicated service.
  • Improved waste management, saving approximately $50,000 annually.
  • Recognized individuals for their contributions to community improvement and volunteerism.
  • Upgraded pumphouses and maintained waterways and sewer systems.
  • Limited short term rentals to help preserve neighborhoods and prioritize family home ownership.

Open and Responsive Government
  • Held regular town halls to hear residents' concerns and answer questions directly.
  • Created a Construction Board of Appeals.
  • Appointed qualified, ethical board members, conducted ethics reviews, and removed or replaced members when necessary.
  • Renegotiated Teamsters contracts, securing better terms and stronger organizational partnerships.
  • Introduced the Key to the Village and Citizen Recognition programs to foster community pride and honor outstanding contributions.

Challenges

Financial Pressure and Infrastructure
  • Rising costs continue to put pressure on the Village budget while maintaining essential services.
  • Aging roads, sidewalks, water infrastructure, and public spaces require significant ongoing investment beyond current funding levels.

Water and the Millpond
  • Maintaining our waste and waterways is costly. Much of Holly’s water infrastructure is more than 50 years old. Although village water meets all state and federal safety standards, aging systems and private service lines can still create challenges for residents.
  • Exploring grants and outside funding to repair and maintain the millpond, including possible oversight by Oakland County. 

Growth and Development
  • Planning for responsible growth while preserving the character and identity of the Village.
  • Evaluating cityhood and other long term opportunities to determine what is in the best interest of Holly residents.

Serving Residents at Every Stage of Life
  • Families and young people continue to need more local recreation, entertainment, and gathering spaces.
  • Seniors need safe, accessible spaces and a dedicated community center that supports healthy aging and social connection.
  • Expanding these opportunities will require thoughtful planning, sustainable funding, and strong community partnerships.

Community Involvement
  • Relying heavily on a small group of volunteers and public servants who already give generously of their time and energy is not sustainable.
  • Overburdening those who currently serve is a risk without broader participation.
  • Encouraging more residents to step forward is essential to keeping our community strong.

Transparency and Accountability
  • The rapid spread of misinformation increases the need for timely, factual public communication.
  • Making complex financial, legal, and infrastructure decisions understandable to residents requires clear and accessible communication.
Holly on the Michigan Mitten.