County Board Approves Vehicle Contract, Bond Project, Millage Renewal Vote

Drain Commissioner Dale Twing (L) and attorney Roger Swets answer commissioners questions about bond issue

By Ken DeLaat
The Newaygo County Board of Commissioners voted to contract with Enterprise Fleet Management for the purchase, sale and maintenance oversight for vehicles used by the Sheriff’s Department and the Commission on Aging.
Initially this will include the purchase of 16 vehicles and the sale of 7.
A lengthy discussion at last week’s Finance Committee meeting addressed contracting these services out. Cost savings to the county, increased efficiency and maintenance accountability were among the advantages County Administrator Chris Wren spoke to when describing the contractual arrangement.
Commissioner Vern Willett asked about the selection process. Mr. Wren explained the vetting involved in the selection of Enterprise included gathering information from other counties who had gone through a similar process including Muskegon who performed an exhaustive assessment and decided on Enterprise.
“They stood well above the other options we looked at for price and the services they provide,” said Wren.
He also explained the company would be using local dealerships for delivery and other services.
“What’s the contract length?” asked Commissioner Willett.
“We can cancel at any time,” Wren replied.

The Board passed a resolution that will put the Veterans Affairs Millage on the ballot for renewal. Commissioner Jim Maike singled out the efforts of Commissioner Willett in initiating this support for the Veterans Affairs office during a previous term on the board in 2003

Drain Commissioner Dale Twing answered questions about a resolution to bond for the Fellows Consolidated Drain Project in Grant. The project will also be receiving substantial financial support in a  collaborative effort  with the  Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)who are also planning a major project in the city.

The Carmen Hoaglund Trust recently delivered a generous contribution of $44,661 to the Newaygo County Animal Shelter and the board passed a resolution recognizing the family for the donation. Look for more information in a future story on this unsolicited gift. A gift  that will significantly upgrade  shelter facilities and benefit the animals housed there.

In other business Linda Landheer was appointed to the Tax Allocation Board.