Atlas Twp- An outsourcing proposal that could possibly save Goodrich taxpayers $100,000 has sparked some inklings of changing the village government. Again.
At the township meeting on Monday night, Trustee Barry June proposed combining both Goodrich and township staff’eliminating duplicated services from clerical workers to bookkeeping to management.
‘My thought is to protect the village longterm,? said June, starting his second four-year term on the board. ‘The village would keep their own council, checkbook and government. The township would pick up all the day-to-day work’it would be a more efficient government. Right now there are gaps in the township workload. This would also squelch further vacate the village issues that may arise.?
June stressed that Goodrich would remain autonomous’creating a seamless tie between the village and township.
‘The funds are going to get a lot tighter in years to come. By combining services the money saved could be used to help replace the old dam.?
While June’s proposal may maintain the village council and Goodrich’s identity? such sweeping change in the structure of the government is not a new concept.
Since Goodrich was incorporated as a village in 1957, three known dissolution attempts have been made. The latest was in 2005 when nearly 400 people signed a petition circulated to dissolve the village. The signatures proved futile when the village council decided not to put the issue to a vote.
Goodrich Village Council President Ed York had some other ideas on June’s plan.
‘I would have a difficult time working with June’s proposal,? said York. ‘We run a smooth operation at the village. In contrast, I think the state was looking at dissolving the townships. A lot of the township work could be done at county level.?
York emphasized that such a proposal would require a charter amendment since several of the staff positions that June suggested be outsourced to the township would be eliminated.
‘I would suggest changing the village to a city and annexing the township’the salaries for the village board are much less than the township trustees.?
Village Councilwoman Patricia Wartella was pleased with June’s suggestion.
‘This was the biggest shock of my life. What a gesture by a township trustee,? said Wartella. ‘All those services have been duplicated for many years’the taxpayers have been charged. I understand the village would remain in place’it would be a tax savings to the village.?