Opponent of Saugatuck-Douglas consolidation says savings can be found without a merger

Petition signatures will be turned in Tuesday that will likely place a proposed merger of Saugatuck and Douglas on the ballot this year. 

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Credit The Associated Press

File photo of path in the Saugatuck-Douglas area

Citizens for Independent and Cooperative Communities opposes the merger of Saugatuck and Douglas. One the group's leaders  leaders Matt Balmer told WMUK that he doesn't think consolidation is necessary. 

Balmer says the two towns already share costs on most "big ticket" services. He says more savings can be found without a full-blown merger of the two cities. Balmer questions whether major savings can be found while maintaining the same level of service.