Consolidating Clarkston and Independence Township is an idea at least worth checking out, officials decided last Tuesday.
Township Trustee Dan Kelly proposed consolidation as a way to increase government efficiency.
Clarkston Councilman Cory Johnston, speaking during public comments, said he is open to exploring the possibility.
“Becoming a city was the choice of the people,” he said. “If the people don’t want us, they can vote us out. It’s a tough job and (consolidation is) a long, long process. Regardless of what happens, though, we need to recognize that what either of us do (Clarkston and Independence Township), affects the other. We need to start working together. I’m in favor of any agreement or liaison between the both of us.”
County Commissioner Tom Middleton, Clarkston-area resident, said the county could provide a free feasibility study to see if it is possible and how much it would cost to consolidate the city and township.
Township Supervisor Dave Wagner added, “it’s time to have some discussions, there’s no doubt about that.”
Trustee Charles Dunn, who helped put the issue on the agenda, also said that this is not about sharing services ? it’s about consolidation, and that’s a serious matter.
“There is not enough household revenue to support redundant services,” he said. “We need to provide them (Clarkston) services in the most efficient matter. Certainly protecting the culture is important, but can we afford to keep this redundancy going?”
Trustee Dan Travis, who was a trustee during the 1992 separation of city and township, said the city would always stay the city because of the “dent of the citizens.”
He added that phone calls he received before the meeting had been all negative.
“They (the city and the council) would have liked to had some fore-discussion, but it’s certainly worth chewing on,” he said.
The board agreed not to take any action with the item at that meeting but agreed to look into the free feasibility study offered by the county.