The Ionia County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved significant revisions to the Road Department’s policies governing the budgeting for the construction of primary and local roads and bridges. This decision, spearheaded by Road Department Managing Director Linda Pigue, aims to streamline the funding process and address the rising costs associated with road infrastructure.
The newly revised policies, known as “Policy 03” and “Policy 04,” specify that upgrades to primary roads and bridges will be fully funded by the Road Department. This marks a departure from the previous requirement, which mandated that local townships contribute financially to these projects. Pigue emphasized the necessity for these changes, stating, “The cost of replacing and repairing bridges is skyrocketing, and I just don’t think most townships are going to be able to afford this.”
Under the previous policy, the financial burden was shared, with townships responsible for 50% of the local match for primary road bridges and all costs associated with local road bridges, including engineering and construction. The revisions also include a resolution that will “grandfather in” any local bridge funding applications submitted before January 1, 2026, ensuring that townships will not lose funding opportunities due to the policy changes.
In a discussion during the meeting, Commissioner Jack Shattuck voiced his opposition to the revisions, arguing that the existing policies had worked effectively for years. He expressed concerns that the new approach would place an undue burden on local townships, especially those with limited financial resources. “I’m just concerned that we’re making it so the townships have to pay 100% for the local roads and bridges,” Shattuck remarked.
Despite the dissent, the revisions were passed with a vote of 5-2. Commissioner Larry Tiejema suggested exploring an increase in the county’s road millage to help finance the necessary improvements to local roads and bridges, a proposal that received no immediate response from other commissioners.
The financial implications of these policy changes are substantial. According to Pigue, replacing all 33 primary road bridges would cost approximately $3,722,920, while the cost for all 34 local road bridges would reach around $14,731,250. Federal grants are available to assist in funding these projects, but local entities must still contribute a portion of the costs.
Pigue highlighted a recent case where a federal funding application for a bridge replacement project was complicated by the funding requirements. The bridge, estimated to cost $1,452,000, required a 5% local match. Under the previous policy, the township would have to contribute a significant amount, which posed a financial challenge when Ronald Township stated, “We have no money.”
In addition to the road policy revisions, the Ionia County Board of Commissioners conducted other business during the meeting. They set the date for their annual organizational meeting for January 13, 2026, approved a contract for sleet sand with Top Grade Aggregate, and renewed an agreement for chip seal and fog seal services with Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC.
As the board navigates these changes, the focus remains on balancing the financial realities of maintaining and improving road infrastructure while ensuring equitable contributions from local townships. The revisions to the road policies reflect an urgent response to escalating costs and the need for effective fiscal management in Ionia County.
