Marcia Hovey-Wright stated that the state would be looking to recoup its funds any way it could, and it would turn to the city’s taxpayers for the money if the district could not provide them
County Commissioner Rillastine Wilkins attended the council’s service meeting ahead of its full council meeting on Monday. She addressed some of the questions various council members asked amongst themselves over the past several weeks.
The Muskegon Area Transit System (MATS) selected Wesley School, Three Oaks School and Muskegon High School for the contest because they are within the bus system’s service area and students of these schools use the MATS system.
While last year’s program cost approximately $30,000, a big chunk of that was earned back by $25 registration fees for the basketball league plus concessions. The city’s contribution made up all but $1,600 of the total costs.
In a prepared statement read during Monday’s meeting, Mayor Paige stated that the need for the committee was driven by the lack of new negotiations with Norton Shores and Fruitport.
Regardless of the estimations of cost, the resolution simply functions to put the review committee on notice that the City of Muskegon Heights is in support of the project.
“It’s one single policy as much as it can be, but when it isn’t it is outlined much more clearly between staff and elected officials,” said Health Kaplan, Finance and Management Services Director for the county.
The budget counts a full reception of EVIP dollars, which the state offers as an incentive to municipalities who comply with three specific conditions: transparency, submitting a consolidation collaboration plan, and compliance with Public Act 152, which deals with health insurance.