Algoma City Council updates for 2026

ALGOMA – The Algoma City Council held its first meeting of the new year on Jan. 5. American Legion Post 29 Commander Mike Froelich opened the meeting by addressing the council on behalf of the Legion, informing the public about various medical equipment available for loan to the community, including canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs and even electric lift chairs. Froelich reminded the community that these resources are available to anyone, not just veterans.

The Spillman agreement for the police department’s computer-aided dispatch program, an annual licensing fee for the county’s dispatch software, was approved for continuation. The 2026 Comprehensive Engineering Services Proposal by Robert E. Lee and Associates was presented. While the proposal was approved, there was discussion about potentially issuing RFPs for engineering services in the future to ensure competitive checks and balances.

City Administrator Matt Murphy provided updates on several ongoing projects:

• New fire station: Construction is progressing, with walls finished and forms stripped. Bi-weekly meetings will start soon.

• Police Department and City Hall (208 Steele St.): Mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEPs) are being finalized, and the project is expected to go out to bid by mid-January, with a target move date by mid-June.

• Library building: Abatement results are back with no alarming issues like mold. MEPs are complete, and bids for renovations, including windows, will be sought. A discussion about removing a wall in the library was deferred, as a firm will be hired to optimize space utilization first.

Public announcements

The city reminds the community there is no parking on city streets from 2–5 a.m., Nov. 1 through April 1, with exceptions announced on the city’s Facebook page during good weather.

Tax bill collection by the city continues until Saturday, Jan. 31.

A vacant seat in Aldermatic District 4 was announced. Interested residents living in District 4 are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and resume to City Hall by Friday, Jan. 30 for consideration at the Feb. 2 Council meeting. The new council member would serve until April 2027.