The Dorr Township Hall property soon will have an electronic sign to tell local residents about local happenings and warn them about dangerous conditions.

The Township Board Tuesday night approved on a 4-2 vote to spend $16,500 with Watchfire LED Display for the device.

The board last month decided to table the proposal to have the sign purchased and installed to find out whether it would violate local ordinances. Kirk Scharphorn Jr. of Professional Code Inspections wrote a letter telling the township would be permissible and would fit in with commercial zoning.

Clerk Brian Boot, who has been a strong proponent of the electronic sign at the corner of 142^nd Avenue and 18^th Street, said, “This is the most effective way for us to communicate with the people.”

Leading the charge against the proposal was Trustee John Tuinstra, who took it upon himself to conduct a poll of 100 Dorr Townships residents, asking them whether they want to pay $16,500 for a new sign or use it instead for roads.

He noted 100% support for roads.

Supervisor Jeff Miling said, “Yes, everybody wants their roads fixed, but we’re talking about $16,500, which is a drop in the bucket” to handle the township’s needs for roads.

Trustee Josh Otto also said, “This was an item that was budgeted, noting that $20,000 had been set aside earlier this year.

“The question is where to spend our money,” Tuinstra responded. “We’re talking about maintaining our roads,” and repaving is a lot cheaper than having to do reconstruction later.

Tuinstra, as he did in September, brought up the figure of $100 for a load of gravel to handle a linear foot.

“I’m presenting to you what the people said,” Tuinstra commented. “They said that sign is nothing.”

However, a majority on the board held that a figure than small wouldn’t really make a difference for roads, but would ensure an electronic sign that could communicate to local residents.

Furthermore, a woman in the audience said a survey of 100 people doesn’t mean a great deal in a township with a population of 7,000. She added that if people really wanted their roads taken care of they should have supported a three-mill proposal to do just that in the special election May 5.

Treasurer Jim Martin, just before the vote was taken, indicated the issue shouldn’t be an either-or situation.

“The idea of choosing one over the other was done during the budgeting process,” he noted.

Tuinstra was joined in voting “no” by Trustee Patty Senneker. Miling, Boot, Otto and Martin voted in the affirmative. Trustee Dan Weber was absent.