MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Meridian Township Board voted to adopt the 2021 Goals Action Plan in a unanimous decision during the Board meeting Tuesday evening. There are 10 goals included in the Action Plan.

“There was a lot of thought put into this and we discussed it extensively. I’m just proud to show that all of these goals are just so important to us and they’re meaningful goals,” said Clerk Deborah Guthrie.

Trustee Patricia Jackson announced a new goal that was added to the finalized list. One of them was to expand affordable broadband throughout Meridian Township.

“We don’t really have any choices when it comes to Broadband in this township rights now. A lot of people would love to cut the cord but we don't have a high speed provider,” said Treasurer Phil Deschaine.

Comcast sent a letter explaining why they are increasing rates in the Township. In some areas, rates are being increased by 30%. “I think it's really important that we pursue this broadband initiative so that we give our residents a choice on services and we don't get held up for another year by Comcast,” said Treasurer Deschaine.

The Goals for the 2021 year include:

-Maintain unparalleled customer service and public safety throughout the Global COVID-19 Pandemic. Be mindful of the struggle facing our Meridian business community during COVID-19, develop and implement creative programs to assist our partners.

-Continue progress on the Meridian Township Sustainability Plan goal of 100% renewable energy use for Township facilities by 2035 by installing an additional 120kW of photovoltaic panels on Township property.

-Develop a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan with specific goals and objectives.

-Culminate decade long effort to redevelop Downtown Okemos and Haslett with vertical construction.

The full list of the 2021 Goals Action Plan can be found on meridian.mi.us