GR reaches across state for partnership

GRAND RAIPDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder wants to see more innovation and governmental cooperation.

Now, West Michigan's largest city and one of Detroit's largest suburbs are partnering with the state to develop a sort of virtual city hall.

The two cities are the only members of the newly formed Municipal Services Authority.

The MSA gives the cities the authority to share administrative services, including payroll and accounting, saving money and improving efficiencies.

State Treasurer Andy Dillon, appearing at Tuesday's Grand Rapids City Commission meeting, said while Grand Rapids and Livonia make up the authority, other communities are welcome to use the authority for services they're currently staffing.

"Let's just bolt on the City of Flint, the City of Pontiac to what's already been created," Dillon told commissioners.

The idea was born out of a need to save money for distressed cities. But Dillon said it's really about good government. He says Gov. Snyder asked him to arrange the marriage between Grand Rapids and Livonia because of their strengths.

Past research has shown local municipal governments and school boards could save a billion dollars by combining administrative services for health care alone.
 
"You decided how aggressive and how active you get involved with the MSA," Dillon told commissioners.

Dillon said the state will make seed money available for technology, like software, to help the programs develop. He expects those to be a one-time cost, and the services to become self funded by the communities involved.