LANSING, Mich.—Two community leaders from West Michigan are joining a Michigan authority focused on forging relationships between municipalities and school districts.

On Thursday, Governor Snyder announced the appointment of Al Vanderberg  and to the Michigan Municipal Services Authority and its executive committee,  as well as the appointment of Stacie Behler as chair of the executive committee and the MMSA board.  The MMSA encourages cooperation between communities in school district, overseeing services they can share.

“Increasing collaboration between local units of government and getting the most out of citizens' tax dollars remains an important focus as we continue to reinvent government,” Snyder said. “I appreciate the willingness of both Al and Stacie to serve in these important roles in that effort.” 

GRANDVILLE, Mich. – Grandville-based First United Credit Union backing the Kent District Library’s campaign to replenish its budget.

Through the Genre Derby, KDL hopes to raise $10,000 for digital and physical books. That’s just a fraction of the $300,000 that’s been slashed from the library’s budget since 2013.

“Our overall budget has been cut by over $2 million in the past three years from changes in tax valuation and personal property tax,” explained KDL Development Manager Linda Krombeen. 

Despite the cuts, KDL is using technology and restructuring to avoid laying off staff.

The Genre Derby allows patrons to direct donations to the type of books they read most. First United Credit Union is pledging to match 50 percent of all donor gifts during the Genre Derby, up to $1,500.

GRANDVILLE, Mich.—The Grandville City Council Monday night is expected to set the public hearing for changes to a portion of Ottawa Avenue.

The city is considering giving up rights to the west side of Ottawa Avenue, between White Street and the C & O Railroad to Land & Company, which owns the building along that section of the road.  Land & Company would then have the rights to add street sparking to that 24-foot section of the street.  The city would own the other side of the street, which would not have parking.  City Clerk Mary Meines says the city has been working on making this change for a few years, to help ease issues with traffic, plowing and maintenance.

The public hearing will likely be scheduled for Monday, March 24 at 7:15 p.m.