The Citizens Research Council has issued a new report on the possibilities of consolidation between local units of government.
The report, "The Costs, Benefits, and Alternatives for Consolidating the Onekama Governments", was funded through the MML Foundation administered Shared Public Services Initiative (SPSI). The SPSI is a collaborative project involving local, state and non-profit organizations.
The CRC had been commissioned by the Village of Onekama and Onekama Township to explain merger options and analyze the costs and benefits of consolidating the two communities. Recently, residents of Onekama circulated petitions to disincorporate the village and the petitions have been certified with enough signatures to get a question on the ballot.
The question could be put to the voters as soon as February 2012. In the meantime, a disincorporation commission will prepare a report recommending actions on what should be done with the village's assets and liabilities should the question be approved.
The full report is available on the CRC website.
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail
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