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Thumb of Michigan | https://www.house.mi.gov/hfa/PDF/Alpha/Fiscal_Brief_MTF_Distribution...
Michigan PA 51 created among other things, formulas to distribute state and federal funds. Along with state and federal funds, about half the counties in Michigan have a primary road and bridge millage. Those that do generate additional road funding that way are typically rural counties. On top of that, many townships also have road millage. The county generated millage proceeds can't leave the county and are earmarked for specific things. Same thing with township generated funds, they can't leave the township.
The county road commissions grade gravel roads, patch paved roads, and plow snow. They maintain signs, and provide engineering to a point for any road or bridge project. If there are improvements to be made on a primary road, the road commission is responsible for that. If there are improvements to be made on a township road, the township has to fund the improvement. For instance: adding gravel or repaving a road. Or taking a road from gravel to pavement. Thats happening right now on 3 miles of gravel road a couple miles north of me.
Each county road commission has some latitude in putting additional money from the county funds to a township. My county, for example, offers a 25K match to a township who does at least 25K in approved improvements. Repaving a road for example. Or, adding gravel. There also is funds available to do smaller work. Brush is one.
Any approved contractor can do work for a township or the county as long as they meet the requirements of the county road commission and the staff. Generally a bid is involved as well of course. I'll use dust control as an example: the road commission takes bids annually on dust control products and application. Usually 4 companies bid in my experience. There's a spec advertised, no one ever has brine that spec. They do submit the specs on the product they do have however. After that, its up to each township to hire whichever company they choose to. Some materials are good for the season, some take 2 applications. They know that going in. The only involvement the road commission has after that is that the dust control companies coordinate with the county on grading pre application. Each contractor has the list of townships its working for, they do everything possible to do as much as possible in connecting townships. The county will move graders around as necessary to expedite the work. The bids are usually lower because they know they'll be able to get more done in a day. They aren't jumping around all over the county, they can concentrate on a general area. | |
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Consolation of township to county road depts
