ESCANABA - "It's a very exciting time in Michigan," commented a member of the governor's staff during a joint meeting of municipal leaders in Escanaba Wednesday.
Greg Andrews, Gov. Rick Snyder's Upper Peninsula assistant, presented a brief update on state matters to those attending the regular monthly meeting at Escanaba City Hall.
"We're very excited about 2012," Andrews said. "The state is moving in the right direction."
Specifically, Andrews noted the state is moving forward on a "structurally-sound, balanced budget" without a $1.5 billion deficit like last year. The governor plans to publicly present the state's budget today.
Andrews said the governor has been focusing on increasing jobs in the state and decreasing governmental bureaucracy. During the past year, 333 bills were passed in the state, Andrews said, praising the Legislature for its "outstanding" work.
Gov. Snyder's plans for the future include focusing more on infrastructure investment, Andrews informed those at the meeting.
Local concerns and issues were touched on by some community leaders attending Wednesday's meetings.
Delta County Road Commission Manager Rob VanEffen spoke about a current transportation bill and its potential to take funding away from local roads.
VanEffen also said creation of a county-wide vehicle maintenance program is underway that could include school buses, fire trucks, and other municipal vehicles.
Wells Township Supervisor Bill Farley asked for letters of support be sent to CUPPAD to fund replacement of equipment used to cool down compressors for the ice rink at the Wells Sports Complex. The township is seeking a grant from the Department of Natural Resources, said Farley.
Garden Supervisor Morgan Tatrow said the first windmill will be in operation by the end of the week, generating electricity on the Garden Peninsula. Thirteen more windmills are scheduled to be installed by the end of December, he added.
Delta County Administrator Nora Viau presented an update on changes in assessor training and certification programs which limits places to test and lengthens classroom time.
The next meeting of the joint governmental meeting is scheduled for March 14.
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Jenny Lancour, (906) 786-2021, ext. 143, jlancour@dailypress.net