State OKs Saugatuck-Douglas merger

SAUGATUCK, Mich. (WOOD) - The State Boundary Commission has approved the merger of Saugatuck and Douglas.

Supporters say the proposed merger would allow the municipalities to combine for less cost and maybe even provide better services to citizens. The cities already share police, fire, library and sewer and water services.

In November 2011, citizens from Sauguatuck, Douglas and Saugatuck Township brought more than 400 signatures representing nearly 9% of voters in the area to the state capitol asking that the governments be able to combine. Under the proposal approved by the State Boundary Commission, only Saugatuck and Douglas would merge. Saugatuck Township would remain separate.

According to state documents, the merger will take effect in 45 days unless citizens force a vote on the issue.

To get that referendum, 5% of registered voters in the combined areas would have to sign a petition. If a vote takes place, each area would have to separately approve the merger.

If the merger goes into effect, the name of the new town would be Saugatuck-Douglas.

It's extremely rare for local governments to want to combine. The Saugatuck-Douglas case marks only the second time it has ever happened in Michigan's history.