UPDATE: The Ionia County Board of Commissioners has just approved significant revisions to road budgeting policies, impacting local and primary roads and bridges. This decision, made during a meeting on October 24, 2023, aims to streamline funding processes at a time when road repairs are critically needed.
Managing Director Linda Pigue led the charge, highlighting the urgent need for policy changes to simplify the budgeting process for road construction. The revised policies will allow the Road Department to fully fund upgrades to primary roads, a shift from the previous requirement that local townships contribute 50% of costs.
“The cost of replacing and repairing bridges is skyrocketing, and I don’t think most townships will be able to afford this,” Pigue warned. She outlined that replacing all 33 primary road bridges would cost approximately $3,722,920, while all 34 local road bridges would total around $14,731,250. Federal grants are available, but townships must contribute, often leaving them in a difficult financial position.
The newly approved “Policy 03” states that all costs associated with primary road upgrades will be covered entirely by the Road Department. Conversely, “Policy 04” dictates that local townships will now bear the full financial responsibility for improvements and maintenance on local roads.
“This applies to all bridge preservation, rehabilitation, and replacement projects, including those constructed with state and federal funds,” the revised policy states.
During the meeting, Commissioner Jack Shattuck expressed his dissent, arguing that the existing policy had been effective in the past. “Not all townships are the same financially. This change could create winners and losers,” he cautioned.
Commissioner Larry Tiejema echoed concerns about the financial burden on townships, suggesting a potential increase in road millage to fund improvements. However, this proposal did not receive immediate support.
The board voted with a majority of 5-2 in favor of the revised policies, along with a resolution to “grandfather in” local bridge funding applications submitted before January 1, 2026. With these changes, Ionia County is taking significant steps to address the pressing infrastructure needs in the area.
As the county faces escalating costs and challenges in maintaining its roadways, residents and local officials will need to monitor how these policy changes affect future funding and infrastructure projects. The implications of this decision will be felt across Ionia County, as towns grapple with the increased financial responsibility for their local roads.
Stay tuned for updates as Ionia County navigates these critical road budget changes and their impact on community infrastructure.
