The Dorr Township Board Thursday evening decided to approve paying $32,052 to Stoneco for this year’s graveling program, but only if the road millage request passes in the Aug. 2 primary.
The township pays for a graveling program annually, but now has only $209,000 in its coffers for roads because there is no millage levy for roads. Officials hope that will be remedied by approval of a three-mill request next Tuesday.
The township plans to pay the Allegan County Road Commission $180,000 for its share of the cost for the 2018 paving and widening project for 18th Street from 142nd Avenue north to 146th Avenue.
Subtracting $180,000 from $209,000 leaves only $29,000, which would leave less than what would be required to pay for the graveling project.
The three-mill request, spearheaded by a volunteer citizens’ road committee chaired by Carolyn Sandel, would raise $690,000 in just the first year and fund paving projects, such as the proposed detour route around the 18th Street construction.
“We want to have that road widened on 18th Street,” Trustee John Tuinstra said. “It’s got a lot of traffic.”
Supervisor Jeff Miling added, “If we can get that road millage, let’s do it.”
Future road paving projects then would be determined by greatest need for the greatest number served and funded by the millage.
PHOTO: Laurel Jansen appeared before the Township Board once again to complain about the damage to landscape around the headstones of loved ones in Dorr Cemetery. She presented board members with a Freedom of Information Act request, insisting she never received written notice about what would be done. At right is former State Rep. Bob Genetski, who appeared before the board to promote his candidacy for Allegan County Clerk.
A government that will not spend money they do not have, what a concept!