The Polly Ann Trailways Council will have to deal with some changes, but what those changes will be remains in doubt.
The council met on July 26 to discuss the recommendations of a sub-committee created to address their funding formula, inter-governmental agreement and 2007 budget.
They then directed that each member obtain opinions from their respective board. This took place in Orion Township at the July 31 meeting, where Treasurer Alice Young presented the information.
Young noted that Addison is considering rejoining the council, thus making it premature to recommend a budget (although somewhere in the area of $35,000 is likely), so she addressed only the funding formula and inter-governmental agreement issues.
‘The sub-committee agreed that the current formula was unfair to Orion taxpayers,? Young said, noting that she proposed a new formula that would lower Orion’s overall share by about 10 percent.
The new formula, which the board agreed with, is based on 50 percent miles of trail, and 50 percent population.
In that case, Orion Township would still be the biggest financial contributor, although everyone involved would be forced to pay their share. Young noted that the Village of Leonard has not been paying anything.
Young said there are currently two representatives from each of the five governmental units (assuming Addison’s inclusion): Addison Township, the Village of Leonard, Oxford Township, the Village of Oxford and Orion Township.
‘In effect, this gives Oxford and Addison four votes to Orion’s two,? she said. ‘Therefore, Orion has had the least representation, has received the fewest benefits and has paid the most money.
‘Clearly there is something wrong with this picture,? Young said.
After much debate, the council came up with three options to present to each board.
The first option is to remain status quo, the second would be to reduce the council to one member from each of the five communities, and the third would be to have three representatives from each township.
Under this third option, the villages of Oxford and Leonard would likely have one representative, within Oxford and Addison townships, respectively.
Lake Orion Village Manager JoAnn Van Tassel was present at the board meeting, and suggested that the village be considered for one of the three spots, or perhaps as an alternate spot, if this option is adopted.
The Orion board was in support of the third option, and advised Young accordingly, noting that they would like to incorporate the idea of an active alternate, similar to what is used by the Paint Creek Trailways Commission.
The Polly Ann Council will meet later this month to decide both issues.