Welcome to the Village of Barryton
Please use these quick fact sheets to help you get familiar with the community you call home. We are glad that you are here!
Village of Barryton: Financial Stewardship Guide
“Where Does the Money Go?”
The Village receives funding from Property Taxes, State Allocations, Grants, Fees, and Service Charges. These funds are carefully managed to support the following core community services:
????️ Road Maintenance & Repair
Utilizing State of Michigan Allocations, we strive to ensure your daily commute is as smooth and safe as possible.
• Repairs: Funding the construction and upkeep of roads and bridges.
• Drainage: Maintenance of storm drains to prevent flooding.
• Winter Services: Snow removal and road salting/sanding operations.
???? Sewer Management
Revenue from Sewer Bills is strictly dedicated to public health and environmental protection.
• System Upgrades: Funding vital repairs and modernization of the wastewater infrastructure.
• Grounds & Equipment: Regular maintenance of the facilities and machinery associated with the system.
???? Parks & Recreation
Enhancing our public spaces leads to a better quality of life for visitors of all ages.
• Funding: Supported by a portion of Property Taxes, along with dedicated donations and grants.
• Allocation: Covers landscaping, playground equipment maintenance, facility repairs, and essential supplies.
????️ Public Safety
Protecting our residents is a top priority, with a significant portion of the budget supporting the Village Police Department.
• Fleet & Gear: Vehicle maintenance/replacement and equipment repair.
• Personnel: Funding for state-required training and department payroll.
????️ Infrastructure & Asset Management
By proactively maintaining what we own, we reduce the long-term burden on taxpayers.
• Equipment: Regular servicing of Village-owned machinery ensures services are performed optimally.
• Facilities: Upkeep of Village buildings and structures to ensure we conduct public business at the lowest possible cost.
???? Miscellaneous Services & Operations
To keep the Village running day-to-day, funds are also allocated to:
• Public Services: Seasonal yard waste pickup.
• Utilities: Maintaining street lights and powering municipal buildings.
• Professional Support: Professional services, administrative supplies, and legal/engineering consultations.
• Administration: Payroll for the DPW, Clerk, Treasurer, and Village Council.
The Village of Barryton is committed to fiscal transparency and the efficient use of every dollar to improve our community.
Village of Barryton: Trash Collection Fact Sheet
Service Provider: Republic Services
???? Collection Schedule
• Standard Pickup: Trash is picked up every Monday.
• Holiday Schedule: If a holiday falls on a Monday, trash collection will move to Tuesday for that week.
• Cart Placement: Carts may be set out at the roadside after 12:00 PM (noon) the day before pickup.
o Carts must be returned to the home by 6:00 PM on the day of pickup.
????️ Trash Carts & Services
• Provided Equipment: Each resident is provided with one trash cart.
• Additional Carts: A second cart is available for an additional cost of $17.50 per month.
• Customer Support: For questions regarding your service or to request additional pickups, please call Republic Services at 877-698-7274.
???? Bulk Item Disposal
• Weekly Limit: Residents may put out one (1) bulk item per week alongside their regular trash cart.
• Mattress Disposal: All mattresses must be wrapped in plastic to be eligible for pickup.
• Extra Items: If you have more than one bulk item, you must contact Republic Services in advance to arrange pickup.
???? Unaccepted Items
The following items are not accepted for residential pickup:
• Construction material/waste
• Hazardous materials (chemicals, batteries, paint, etc.)
• Automotive parts
• Yard work equipment
• Yard waste
Additional Information
For a complete list of unaccepted items and further service details, you can:
• Visit the Village Boards: Located in front of the American Legion Post and in front of the Lion’s Club Park on Angell Ave.
???? Village of Barryton: Parks & Recreation Fact Sheet
Enhancing Our Natural Spaces for Everyone to Enjoy
⭐ Recent Improvements & Highlights
Over the past several years, the Village has focused on safety, accessibility, and modernizing our facilities. Key upgrades include:
Restroom Facilities: Modernized with new non-skid flooring and high-efficiency hand dryers, making them among the best in the region.
Infrastructure & Connectivity: Installation of new concrete sidewalks providing smooth access to the well, pavilions, playscape, and restrooms.
Connectivity: These new sidewalks connect directly to the existing walking trail leading to the river overlook at the east side of the park. This allows for easy, accessible travel from one end of the park to the other.
Community Partnerships: The iconic new well roof was custom-constructed by students from the Ferris State University Welding Department.
Safety Repairs: The concrete surface of the East Pavilion in Central Park was fully repaired to ensure a safe environment for visitors.
???? Sports & Leisure
• Pickleball: New lines were added to the existing tennis and basketball courts to accommodate this growing sport. The Village hopes to add a dedicated Pickleball court in the near future.
• Picnic Areas: Thanks to donations from Mecosta County Parks, additional picnic tables were installed throughout the park system in 2024.
???? Park Profiles & Water Access
The Village has prioritized clearing overgrowth to open up beautiful river and pond views:
• Central/Stearns Park: Extensive clearing in the east portion (2025) created welcoming areas for fishing, picnicking, and relaxing by the water.
• Lion’s Club Park: Well repairs and property clearing have improved pond views and expanded fishing access.
• East River/Fish Park: Bank clearing now allows residents to access the river along the entire length of the park.
• Village Office Area: Clearing behind the office has opened a new riverside area for visitors, with plans to add picnic tables soon.
• New Addition: In late 2025, the park system expanded with a new parcel located directly north of East River/Fish Park, across the bridge.
???? Funding Our Future
A large portion of these revitalizations has been made possible without increasing the burden on local taxpayers through:
• Mecosta County Marijuana Excise Tax Funds
• Annual Online Village Auctions
• Grants and Private Donations
???? 2026 Vision & Goals
Our focus for 2026 remains on enhancing “enjoyment and play” while ensuring our community remains inclusive.
• ADA Compliance: Upcoming projects are designed to ensure all facilities are fully ADA-compliant, providing equal access to the beauty of our parks for every resident and visitor.
• Further Expansion: Continued use of auction funds and grants will be directed toward projects that improve safety and recreational variety.
Our parks are the heart of our community—thank you for helping us keep them vibrant!
Village of Barryton: Resident Ordinance Fact Sheet
A Guide to Community Standards & Local Regulations
The complete Book of Ordinances can be found at the Village Office, Barryton Public Library, as well as on this site. The online book is easily searchable with bookmarks to specific ordinances located in the Table of Contents.
Ordinance #10-2023 Animal Ordinance
• Sec. 6 Regulation of Dogs
∗ Subsection B states that “No dog shall be allowed to run at large upon the public streets, walks, parks, or other public places within the Village.” It also requires that “all dogs shall be on a leash of sufficient strength to restrain the dog allowing it to be kept under the control of the person accompanying it.”
∗ Subsection D follows the Mecosta County, Animal Ordinance in setting the number of dogs that a person may own or possess depending on the size of their property. If you own up to 1 acre, 3 dogs are allowed. 6 dogs are allowed on parcels from 1 to 3 acres in size.
• Sec. 7 Regulation of Cats – This section states that no household may have more than 4 adult (over 6 months of age) cats at anytime.
Ordinance #9-2023 Blight – Reduction or Elimination of
• Sec. 2 defines the causes of blight as well as blighting factors. Included in this list is the Outdoor Storage of Junk Motor Vehicles; Junk Recreational Vehicles, Equipment, and Watercraft; Junk Machinery and Equipment. The common definition between them is Inoperable and not being kept on the property for more than fourteen (14) days.
• Also included in this section is Outdoor Storage of Building Materials, Accumulation of Rubbish and Garbage, Uninhabitable and Vacant Dwellings, Partially Completed Structures, Graffiti, Solid Waste, and Outside Placement of Indoor Furniture.
• Damaged or defective Exterior Surfaces of Structures, Fences, Gates and Walls are next in the list followed by use of Tents, Shelters, Canopies, and Tarps along with Dangerous Conditions to Children.
• This is a wide encompassing ordinance with very specific definitions, restrictions, and penalties. Please take a moment to become familiar with this ordinance.
Ordinance #20-2023 Campfire and Open Burn
• This ordinance sets specifications for the size, allowed use, and distance from structures for open burning and campfires. Burning pit shall be no more than three (3) feet in diameter, at least twenty-five (25) feet from the nearest building not on the same property, twenty-five (25) fee from the nearest combustible materials, and fifteen (15) feet from any building or property line on the same property.
• It also states no burning of leaves, weeds, grass, rubbish, trash, or other debris in any place on or off the property including no burning on any street, curb, or sidewalk.
• Allowed times for campfires is between sunset and midnight while the times for open burning is between sunrise and an hour before sunset.
• As defined by this ordinance, Open Burning is used to set the provisions for burning logs that are no more than six (6) inches in diameter and no longer than five (5) feet in length.
• Only logs coming from the property can be burned in this manner, nothing coming from another property is allowed. For burning of logs, you must obtain a burning permit and arrange for a standby from the Barryton Community Fire Dept.
• There is no burning permitted during a burning ban for the area, when the winds exceed to (10) mph, or if an Air Quality Action Day is declared by the Dept. Of Environmental Quality.
Ordinance #15-2023 Firework Regulations
• This ordinance follows the rules for firework usage set by the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act, Public Act 256 of 2011, MCL 28.451 et seq. As amended.
• Included in the act is no use of fireworks on public property including streets, alleys, curbs, sidewalks, and parks.
• The following specific dates when fireworks can be ignited are also set as follows after 11 am each of these days:
∗ Dec 31st until 1 am New Years Day
∗ The Saturday and Sunday immediately proceeding both Memorial and Labor Day until 11:45 on both days
∗ June 29th to July 4th until 11:45 pm, July 5th is also allowed until 11:45 pm if it falls on Friday or Saturday
Ordinance # 4-2023 General Offenses
• Covering elements like:
∗ Offenses Against a Person & Domestic Assaults
∗ Property Offenses
∗ Offenses Against Government
∗ Breach of Peace Offenses
∗ Offenses on School Grounds
∗ Retail Fraud
∗ Public Nudity
∗ Dishonored Checks
∗ Alcohol Offenses
• In this ordinance, penalties vary depending on the offense
Ordinance #22-2023 Grass & Leaves
• As stated in this ordinance, all grass, weeds, brush, or other vegetation within 100 feet of a structure must be no taller than six (6) inches in height.
• nor shall such owner, agent or occupant permit an accumulation of dead weeds, brush, or other vegetation of height greater than 12 inches on any such properties, nothing in this section shall apply to trees, flower gardens, vegetation planted for ornamental purposes, vegetation in vegetable gardens or vegetation in fields devoted to growing any small grain crop such as wheat, oats, barley, or rye.
• It shall be the duty of the owner, agent, or occupant of any property located within 100 feet of a structure,to prevent leaves and small brush from accumulating on their property to where the ground cover of such debris is greater than 40%.
• If not cut within seven (7) days of receiving a warning notice, the village is authorized to have the property cut and/or cleaned and bill the property owner for the cost.
Ordinance #23-2023 Proper Container
• Sec. 2 outlines the applicable methods for disposing of leaves, weeds, grass clippings, and brush in the Village.
∗ From April 15th to October 14th, leaves, weeds, and grass clippings shall be placed curbside in paper bags or boxes weighing no more than 50 pounds. From October 15th to November 15th, loose leaves may be raked to the curbside for pickup. Loose leaves should be free of twigs, branches, and trash.
∗ Brush may also be neatly placed curbside cut into lengths of no more that four (4) feet in length. For removal of larger branches, contact DPW for access to the Village yard waste facility.
∗ No yard waste from outside of the Village limits or in non-biodegradable containers will be picked up.
Ordinance #27-2023 Fence – Boundary and Interior
• Along with setting the differences between a boundary and interior/decorative fence, this ordinance sets the Zoning Compliance Permit fess as follows:
∗ Fence $15
∗ Deck or Patio – any size $25
∗ Accessory Building – any size $40
∗ Dwelling $60
∗ Roof Construction $20
Remember, you are invited to attend Village Council regular meetings every second Wednesday at 6 pm at the Village office on Angell Ave. Be sure to check the Village of Barryton Facebook page and the Village website regularly for notices of all Village meetings and workshops. Your input is important to the Village Council and that it’s only in working together that we make the Village of Barryton a great place to live, grow, and play.
The Barryton Dam: Technical Overview & Restoration Project
Structure & Design
The Barryton Dam is an earthen embankment spanning the Chippewa River. Redesigned and partially reconstructed following a failure in 1986, the structure serves as a critical water management tool for the Village. The reconstruction project improved spillway capacity and was the last significant work performed on the dam until the current restoration efforts.
Dimensions & Components:
• Total Length: Approximately 625 feet (270′ right embankment, 205′ left embankment, 150′ outlet structure).
• Water Control Mechanisms:
o Fixed Crest Spillways (Weirs): 3 open weirs (two 19′ and one 52′).
o Radial Arm Gates (Tainter Gates): 2 manually controlled 12′ gates.
o Sluice Gates: 4 gates with 5′ diameters, also manually controlled.
• Support Structures: The remaining 16 feet of the outlet structure is composed of the concrete pillar walls divided between each weir and radial gate.
Functional Operation
This complex structure manages pond water from three different levels:
• Surface Level (Open Weirs): Water is removed naturally as levels rise above the crest.
• Middle Level (Radial Arm Gates): Water is removed at a rate established by raising or lowering the gates. This is our primary line of defense.
• Lower Level (Sluice Gates): These remove water and sediment from the bottom.
Maintenance History & Current Status
The Barryton Dam has not seen significant repairs in almost 40 years, leading to natural deterioration. The current project aims to restore the integrity of the structure and extend its longevity another 40 years or more.
Professional Oversight & Timeline:
• Engineering Expertise: Fleis & Vandenbrink is the managing Engineering Firm; Schnabel Engineering is responsible for the project design.
• Regulatory Compliance: All work is done to comply with EGLE’s specifications and guidelines and only under their final approval.
• Current Status: In August 2025, the drawdown was completed. EGLE is processing a supplementary permit application to keep the drawdown in place until the project is concluded.
• Upcoming Construction: Construction is tentatively planned to begin late 2026 and will continue through the winter months.
• Ongoing Stewardship: Once restored, ongoing maintenance is funded through the General Fund.
Important Operational Facts
• Mother Nature’s Role: With two-thirds of the dam being uncontrolled weirs, high water levels from excessive rain or snowmelt can cause some downstream flooding naturally.
• Operational Sequence: Radial arm gates are our first line of defense. They are not designed for “overtop” flow. Staff raises one radial gate slowly to maximum height before opening the second, followed by the sluice gates.
• Controlled Release vs. Failure: If water threatens to flow over the radial gates or the earthen embankment, levels must be lowered. While this may cause downstream flooding, conditions would be significantly worse in the event of a structural failure.
Emergency Management & Communication
• Notification Protocol: Before an emergency release of water, the Village makes contact with EGLE, Mecosta County Emergency Services, and a representative from Chippewa Vista.
• Ongoing Coordination: The Village maintains contact with EGLE and Mecosta County throughout the entire drawdown process.
• Hazard Potential Rating: The dam maintains a Significant Hazard Classification. This is based on the potential impact downstream if a failure occurred and is not a reflection of the dam’s current structural condition.
Glossary of Terms
• Weir/Spillway: A structure over or through which flood flows are discharged.
• Toe of Dam: The junction where the face of the dam meets the natural ground surface.
• Foundation: The earthen or rock base that supports the entire weight of the structure.
• Sluiceway/Outlet Works: Conduits near the base equipped with gates used to regulate water release or flush sediment.
• Radial Arm Gate (Tainter Gate): A gate with a curved plate and radial arms hinged to supporting structures.
• Riprap: A layer of large stones or broken rock placed on slopes to protect against wave and ice action.
Project Funding
The Village is addressing all necessary repairs using $1,050,000 in dedicated funding:
• State Budget Appropriation: $700,000
• EGLE Dam Risk Reduction Program: $300,000 (State Grant)
• Village Match: $50,000 (Required local contribution)
Village of Barryton: Understanding Our Wastewater Lagoon System
The Village of Barryton utilizes a three-pond stabilization system to manage and treat wastewater. This natural biological process is an efficient and environmentally friendly way to ensure our community’s waste is handled safely and effectively.
How the System Works
Our system is designed to rotate the treatment process, ensuring that no single pond is overwhelmed and that all waste receives adequate time for treatment before being discharged.
• The Filling Phase: At any given time, either Pond 1 or Pond 2 acts as the primary “filling” pond, receiving raw sewage from the Village.
• The Treatment Cycle: While one pond is filling, the other continues its biological treatment process. This cycle happens twice a year, with Ponds 1 and 2 taking turns as the active filling pond.
• The Discharge Process: Before the active filling pond reaches its capacity, Pond 3 is discharged (after meeting all safety requirements) and then refilled from the secondary pond.
Why a Three-Pond System is Essential
The design and maintenance of our system are governed by strict state and federal laws.
- Regulatory Oversight: The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) determines the necessary capacity and number of ponds for our Village. They also provide the specific guidelines that determine what repairs and upgrades are necessary to keep the system in legal operation.
- Superior Treatment Standards: This mandated process is so thorough that the quality of the finished water exceeds regulated standards before it is ultimately discharged into the river.
- Environmental Protection: The extra capacity prevents the risk of pond overflow, which can occur from excess rain or snowmelt as well as standard system use. This protects our local ecosystem from being exposed to untreated waste.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Maintaining a system that meets EGLE requirements avoids massive financial penalties. Failure to prevent overflows results in significant legal fines that would ultimately cost more in taxpayer dollars than the cost of proper system operation.
Funding the Future: Upgrades & Repairs
To ensure the Village remains in compliance with federal and state environmental laws, we are currently undertaking a $7,215,000 system-wide improvement project.
• Securing Grants: Through proactive planning, the Village secured a $1,440,000 grant (principal forgiveness), significantly reducing the total cost of the project for our residents.
• Favorable Financing: The Village is funding the remaining $5,775,000 through a 1% simple, non-compounded interest loan. This low-interest rate ensures that the cost of borrowing is kept to an absolute minimum for the community.
• Dedicated Infrastructure Fund: The adjustment to the village sewer bill is specifically dedicated to the repayment of this loan.
• The Cost of Inaction: Completing these repairs now with grant assistance is a fiscally responsible alternative to the risk of emergency failures and state-issued fines, which would offer no grant opportunities and ultimately cost more in taxpayer dollars.
Fast Facts for Residents
• Is it safe? Yes. The system uses natural sunlight, wind, and beneficial bacteria to break down waste safely.
• How often is it monitored? The system is regularly inspected and tested to ensure it meets all EGLE discharge permits.
• Managing Capacity: The three-pond design provides a critical “buffer” for weather events, such as rapid spring snowmelt.
Village Fact Sheet: Project Funding & Sewer Rate Adjustment
The Village of Barryton is committed to maintaining a safe, reliable, and legally compliant wastewater system. To fund the mandatory $7,215,000 infrastructure project, the Village has implemented a strategic financial plan through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) to minimize the long-term burden on our community.
Understanding the Sewer Rate Adjustment
To prepare for the required debt payments associated with these state-mandated upgrades, the monthly village sewer bill has been adjusted from $47.39 to $80.90.
• Comprehensive Funding: The proposed increases will be used to make the payments on the new loan as well as the previously existing loan (which has 6 years remaining) and the ongoing maintenance of the system.
• Direct Investment: 100% of this increase is dedicated to the infrastructure fund.
• Debt Servicing: These funds are specifically set aside to cover the estimated $228,000 annual debt payment required to repay the new project loan while continuing to service existing obligations.
Strategic Financial Management & ROI
The Village has prioritized a high Return on Investment (ROI) for taxpayers by completing the full project at once rather than in smaller phases.
• Capturing Current Costs: Doing all the work now captures current construction costs. Completing this work in stages would result in a 10% – 20% increase in total costs due to inflation and remobilization.
• Strategic Funding Source: The State Revolving Fund (SRF) provided the Village with the $1,440,000 grant (principal forgiveness).
• Quasi-Grant Benefits: The SRF also loans money at a below-market interest rate. This acts as a “quasi-grant,” keeping sewer rates lower than if the funds were borrowed from a commercial bank.
Long-Term System Sustainability
While this project addresses a major need, infrastructure requires a commitment to long-term health.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Although this project fixes a major need of the system, the system is not in perfect condition and will not stay in perfect condition without further maintenance and investment.
• Continuous Improvement: Ongoing rate increases are necessary to maintain and improve the system to ensure it remains in proper working order for the community for decades to come.
• The Risk of Inaction: Failure to perform these upgrades and repairs would result in significantly higher costs in fines and penalties if a system failure or breach occurred.
Financial Summary
Category Detail
Total Project Bid $7,215,000
SRF Grant (Principal Forgiveness) $1,440,000
New SRF Loan Balance $5,775,000
Interest Rate 1% Simple (Non-Compounded)
Remaining Existing Debt 6 Years