Issues of funding formula and board representation have finally been answered by the Polly Ann Trailways Management Council (PATMC) and the townships in which the trailway resides.
The Orion Township Board approved the new agreement on Oct. 30, affirming one previous recommendation and amending another.
The PATMC will change its funding formula to be based on 50 percent miles of trail and 50 percent population, eliminating the SEV component from the formula.
Orion Township Treasurer Alice Young, who also serves on the PATMC, told the Orion board at their July 31 meeting that this new formula would lower Orion’s overall share by about 10 percent.
At that same July 31 meeting, the board considered an option to change the PATMC’s representation from two members from each of the five governmental units to three members from the three governing townships.
Currently, Orion Township is joined by Oxford Township, the Village of Oxford, the Village of Leonard and, possibly, Addison Township (which is deciding whether to rejoin the PATMC).
The board liked the idea of having three representatives each from Addison, Orion and Oxford, but other PATMC members were opposed.
Young said that a ‘compromise? was reached, leaving the representation as status quo in exchange for the new funding formula.
She added that the question of Addison’s participation remains unanswered, and would affect Orion’s share in the new funding formula by just over $4,000 if they don’t rejoin.
Regardless, Orion Township will pay at least $8,900 less than they did one year ago, and their portion will not exceed $21,000.
Trail Manager Amy Murray also attended the Oct. 30 meeting, to answer any questions from the board.
Murry and the board’s two PATMC members, Young and Trustee Matt Gibb, said the council’s next big project will take place in Orion Township.