Are shared services in Orion’s future?

The township, village, schools and library are joining forces in on-going efforts to improve the community and save money.
Superintendent Ken Gutman, Village Manager Paul Zelenak, Township Supervisor Matt Gibb and Township Library Director Linda Sickles met this month to discuss possible partnerships between the entities.
‘We want to work together to share services for the greater community,? Gutman said. ‘Duplicating efforts doesn’t make sense.?
Zelenak says emergency management is high on the group’s priority list.
‘We’re exchanging phone numbers and getting contacts set up,? he said.
Zelenak noted the importance of keeping everyone on the same page in case of emergency.
Collaborating on rescue training and desiging evacuation and school bus routes will help keep the community safe and calm even under stress, according to officials.
The entities are also considering partnering up to apply for federal stimulus funds.
Surrounding communities like Oxford and Auburn Hills may be invited to the talks to further improve communication.
‘We want to provide the best services possible,? said Zelenak. ‘The more we meet the more opportunities we can explore.?
The group plans to meet monthly in order to move the opportunities into action.