http://michiganradio.org en http://michiganradio.org/post/voters-will-have-say-proposed-merger-two-west-michigan-communities <p>Soon people living in the lakeshore cities of Saugatuck and Douglas will vote on a proposed merger of their local governments. The State Boundary Commission ruled today the question should be on the ballot in August or November.</p><p>A citizens group <a href="http://www.michiganradio.org/post/state-look-merging-saugatuck-douglas-and-saugatuck-twp">began the process to merge in 2011</a>. The <a href="http://www.we-are-better-together.com/">Consolidated Government Committee </a>is pushing for the merger to save taxpayer money.</p> Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:37:50 +0000 Lindsey Smith 12188 at http://michiganradio.org Voters will have a say in proposed merger of two West Michigan communities http://michiganradio.org/post/lansings-financial-health-will-be-reviewed-panel-appointed-mayor <p>Lansing’s mayor has appointed a committee to take a hard look at the capital city’s financial health.</p><p></p><p>The committee is made up of some of Lansing’s top business and civic leaders.</p><p></p><p>Declining property taxes and state revenue sharing dollars combined with rising costs are squeezing Lansing’s finances.</p><p></p><p>Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero says the committee will come up with short-term and long-term proposals for dealing with the city’s financial problems.</p><p></p><p>Former mayor David Hollister will chair the committee.</p><p></p> Wed, 12 Sep 2012 22:40:58 +0000 Steve Carmody 9058 at http://michiganradio.org Lansing's financial health will be reviewed by panel appointed by the mayor