UPDATE: Ionia County officials have just approved significant revisions to road budget policies, impacting funding for primary and local road bridges. During a critical meeting on October 24, 2023, the Board of Commissioners voted 5-2 to streamline budgeting procedures, following a request from Road Department Managing Director Linda Pigue.
This urgent update will simplify the construction funding process, allowing the Road Department to fully fund all upgrades to primary roads and bridges. Previously, local townships were required to contribute 50% towards match funding, which has now been eliminated under the new policy dubbed “Policy 03.”
“The cost of replacing and repairing bridges is skyrocketing,” Pigue stated. She emphasized the necessity for change, especially as local townships struggle to meet financial obligations. The county is facing a staggering projected cost of $3,722,920 to replace all 33 primary road bridges and $14,731,250 for 34 local road bridges.
The revisions also include a resolution that will “grandfather in” any local bridge funding applications submitted before January 1, 2026. This means that ongoing projects will not be affected by the new rules, providing a temporary relief for budget-strapped local governments.
In a heated discussion, Commissioner Jack Shattuck opposed the revisions, expressing concerns that not all townships are financially capable of absorbing the costs for local roads and bridges. “Not all townships are the same financially,” he cautioned, highlighting the potential for inequity among local governments.
Despite the dissent, the majority of commissioners agreed on the pressing need for policy updates, with Commissioner Larry Tiejema suggesting increasing the county’s road millage to help fund improvements. However, this proposal received no immediate support during the meeting.
Pigue’s request comes amidst a backdrop of increasing costs for bridge repair and construction, which are compounded by federal funding requirements. The necessity for local contributions has led to significant financial strain on townships, as highlighted by Pigue’s remarks regarding a recent bridge funding request from Ronald Township that faced overwhelming budget constraints.
With the new policies taking effect immediately, the implications for local infrastructure and road safety are critical. This change aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens on local governments, ensuring safer and more reliable roadways for Ionia County residents.
As these developments unfold, Ionia County’s road construction landscape is set for a significant transformation. Residents and local officials are urged to stay informed about how these changes will affect future road and bridge projects.
Stay tuned for more updates as Ionia County navigates these essential policy changes that affect every resident’s daily commute.
