Springfield Township joined three area councils at a cost of $2,240.26.
Voting unanimously, Jan. 14, the board approved $225 for membership in the Clinton River Watershed Council. It previously turned down the council’s Stormwater Education program, $500, because the township was not receiving sufficient benefit.
“I think it’s a great program, but I understand if it’s not in the budget,” said Clerk Laura Moreau.
Instead, they approved membership in the Huron River Watershed Council for $460.26.
“A third of the township is located in the Huron River Watershed,” Moreau said.
Dues are used for clean-water, education, and recreation projects. The township will receive water-quality information, presentations and workshops, technical assistance, and state and federal representation.
Membership dues for Southeast Michigan Council of Governments is $1,555.
The council, which serves Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties, offers consulting services, advice, state and federal advocacy, and training.
‘Dues are quite high,? Trout said. “There are a plethora of resources available. I’d like to see one more year, see if we utilize their services. If not, we can choose not to renew.”
Membership also allows Trout to serve on a transportation committee, he said.
‘If we want to get federal aid (such as on an I-75, Dixie Highway improvement project), this is the way to get it,? he said.
‘I’m willing to go another year,? said Trustee Dennis Vallad. ‘But I need to see something more than what we’ve gotten.?
‘If we join, we should avail ourselves of some of their resources,? said Trustee Judy Hensler. ‘If not, we shouldn’t belong. It should be like that with all of these.?