Ionia Co. Commissioners Approve Urgent Road Policy Revisions

UPDATE: Ionia County Commissioners just approved critical revisions to road budgeting policies, aimed at addressing urgent infrastructure needs. The vote took place on October 17, 2023, with the changes set to streamline funding for the construction of both primary and local roads and bridges.

According to Road Department Managing Director Linda Pigue, these policy updates are essential for managing skyrocketing construction costs. The revisions are a direct response to the financial burdens faced by local townships, particularly concerning bridge maintenance and replacement.

The newly approved revisions include a significant change to “Policy 03,” which mandates that all upgrades to primary roads and bridges will now be fully funded by the Road Department. Previously, local townships were required to cover a portion of these costs. This shift aims to alleviate the financial strain on townships already grappling with tight budgets.

Additionally, the commissioners approved a resolution to “grandfather in” local bridge funding applications submitted before January 1, 2026. This move is designed to safeguard ongoing projects and ensure continuity in funding as local governments navigate these changes.

Pigue emphasized the importance of these revisions, stating, “The cost of replacing and repairing bridges is skyrocketing, and most townships will struggle to afford their share.” For context, replacing all 33 primary road bridges would cost approximately $3,722,920, while replacing the 34 local road bridges would total around $14,731,250.

Opposition came from Commissioner Jack Shattuck, who voted against the revisions. He raised concerns that the changes could disproportionately impact financially struggling townships, stating, “Not all townships are the same, financially, and not all townships have the same infrastructure needs.” Despite these concerns, the board voted 5-2 in favor of the revisions.

Commissioner Larry Tiejema echoed Shattuck’s sentiments but suggested increasing the county’s road millage to help fund improvements. However, no action was taken on this proposal during the meeting.

As bridge repairs and construction costs continue to rise, the pressure is mounting on local governments to adapt. The newly revised policies are expected to facilitate smoother budgeting processes and ultimately improve road safety for residents across Ionia County.

Residents and local officials will be watching closely as these policy changes unfold, impacting future infrastructure projects and funding strategies. The urgency surrounding these updates highlights the pressing need for effective solutions to maintain and improve Ionia County’s roadways.

In additional matters, the Board of Commissioners also set their annual organizational meeting for 3 p.m. on January 13, 2026, and approved contracts related to road maintenance and technology support.

Stay tuned for further updates as Ionia County continues to navigate these critical infrastructure challenges.