The Watson Township Board spent much of its time Thursday evening answering the call of progress with technology. And much of it will be paid for by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

The board put the finishing touches on changing and upgrading its phone and Internet services from ATT to Starling and agreed to buy a 65-inch “Smart TV” for the township hall.

Supervisor Ken Travis touted the switch in phone service as a huge savings for the township, paying $30 a month for Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) rather than $643 a month.

The TV, through Anax Control LLC, will cost $4,333.41, which will be covered by the township’s ARPA fund, which was pegged at just under $59,000 before the start of the meeting.

The board also listened to a presentation from Marcus Ritsema about i3 Business Solutions of Hudsonville’s network support services for about $7,000 a year to replace VC3. Though no action was taken, Travis acknowledged, “So far I like what I’m hearing.”

The board also seemed to be favorably disposed to a proposal from Keegan Nixon for Cloud migration for BS&A software to eliminate the need for a physical server.

Treasurer Tara Davis acknowledged the system is more expensive than what is used now, it enables township officials access from anywhere rather than forcing them to come to the township hall.

The cost would be $14,610 for installation and there would be an $8,000 annual service fee.

Trustee John Caras, who has been spearheading most of the efforts to modernize local government, said, “The current system has a high probability of corruption and it doesn’t include proper backup.”
Trustee Michelle Harris added, “It’s a good option as long as we we don’t have a full-time person in the office.”

In other business at Thursday night’s meeting, the Township Board:

• Voted 3-1, with Clerk Kelli Morris dissenting, to adopt a container ordinance, which defines and regulates storage containers, regarding them much like accessory buildings.
• Approved payment of $5,200 to Reurink Home Improvement for installation of two vestibule doors at the township hall and 36-inch handicap accessible doors, with the costs to be absorbed by the ARPA fund.
• Was told by Zoning Enforcement Officer Jim David there are nine cases still open and he had received two more complaints in August about blight.
• Learned from Trevor Beilby of the Hopkins Fire Department that two more paramedics now are part of the department and he personally spends much time at the Watson station.
• Was told by Allegan County Commissioner Gale Dugan that next month the commission will have a public hearing on the proposed $45 million budget. He added that all elected county officials will receive a 3.25% pay increase.