Public hearing on effort to merge Saugatuck, Douglas set for June

The state has rescheduled a public hearing on the proposed consolidation of the cities of Douglas and Saugatuck. The hearing was set for later this month. But the state pushed it back to next month because notice of the hearing wasn’t mailed out at least 30 days prior.

Local leaders were upset the original public meeting was scheduled at a smaller venue in the middle of a workday anyway. It's now been rescheduled for 4p.m. June 20thinside the Saugatuck High School gymnasium.

The proposal’s backers say a merger would save taxpayer dollars. Opponents disagree, saying the proposal only creates one bigger government.

Governor Rick Snyder says the state is encouraging local governments to consider sharing services but a total merger is up to them.

“If people want to look at next steps like literally consolidating, you know that’s a local community issue that I support them looking at and hopefully they can find good support within the community,” Snyder said during a visit to the nearby Tulip Time festival in Holland.