1/23/14 - The Genoa Township Board met Tuesday and talked priorities when it comes to future capital improvement projects but roads no longer rank at the very top of the list. The municipalityâs Capital Improvement Program guides planning and budgeting expenditures over the next few years. Since the proposed road millage went down in overwhelming defeat, board members were asked to provide direction on how to proceed with some projects previously identified. Roads have historically been given high priority but the board is changing focus and reducing the annual general fund commitment toward improvements from $500,000 to roughly $250,000, which corresponds to increased funds toward sidewalks. It was noted that a lot of money is spent to keep roads decent but all roads in Genoa Township fall under the jurisdiction of the Livingston County Road Commission, and therefore, are viewed by members as its responsibility. However, their one exception is the safety of residents. The installation of a traffic signal at Latson Road and Hampton Ridge was planned in the 2014/2015 fiscal year at a cost of $216,000 while $250,000 had been designated the following year for limestone application on portions of Crooked Lake Road, which was slated for paving had the millage passed. Staff was directed to continue conversations with the road commission and gauge the likelihood of it funding and completing either project before making a final determination, since either would eat up the newly designed annual general fund commitment. It was also stated during the meeting that the road millage didnât just lose but âgot killedâ and the takeaway message could be that residents like their low tax rates and current service levels, and maybe donât want a new or expanded township footprint. Road maintenance will continue throughout the township and it will be mostly crushed limestone applications that are reduced. Chloride applications and crack sealing will remain around normal budgeted amounts. (JM)
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