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Updated
May 24, 2013
Most-recent headlines 
in purple.
CGC Volunteer Group Comes Together to Share Ideas
May 11, 2013.  As a sudden windstorm erupted outside the Old Schoolhouse in Douglas last Saturday afternoon, the energy inside had a similar powerful energy.  A group of some 27 citizens of Douglas and Saugatuck came together to share their ideas on how to make government consolidation a reality.  After being briefed by CGC Co-Chair, Bobbie Gaunt, on the latest consolidation developments, the large group broke into three smaller ideation sessions.  The free-flow of creativity and passion for a brighter future for our community was amazing; it even drowned out the windstorm!

This group of "consolidation endorsers" will work with the CGC to inform friends and neighbors of the compelling case for consolidation.
If you'd like to join the fun, just drop us a quick note here.
New York state announces $80 million push for local-government consolidations
Click here for full article.
Local government... in the news
(Hmmmm... now WHERE exactly was THIS predicted?)
Click HERE.
Why consolidation cost-savings matter.
A continuing series...
Two videos on a new consolidation case study.
Princeton, New Jersey provides the latest example of the challenges and joys of consolidation.
While every consolidation is as unique as the communities involved, these two videos offer terrific insights, useful case-study learning, and real hope for Saugatuck Douglas residents searching for more efficient government.
Click on the video frames below.  More details available here.
Click on the (>) frames below.
Re-visiting the reputation of Plante Moran
Consolidation opponents have made a habit of saying things like, "consolidation savings have never been documented." Fact:  Two studies--the only such studies done by anyone to date--have put the minimum annual consolidation cost-savings figure at $500,000.  So, maybe those opponents figure Plante Moran--the Michigan-based  accounting practice, the 12th largest in the country, that conducted the two studies-- is somehow unreliable or easily influenced. Not so. Plante Moran is highly competent, completely ethical, and already counts school districts and municipal governments across the state among its clients.  Want to hear for yourself what some of those clients say about Plante Moran?
Play the video.     Click the arrow (>) above.

No rumor here!
12 years of real-world experience with consolidation:  
$1.3 million saved annually.
"The major elements contributing to the savings are as follows:
• (Listed first) General City Governance: 
Combined all city offices thereby eliminating duplication including council members, managers, clerks, treasurers, office support staff, assessor, and legal counsel."

Details here.
All-volunteer, all-local, politically diverse, 
and completely independent.

We are committed to fairness, transparency, and an emphasis on the facts as we champion the case for consolidation. Opinions expressed here are those of 
our members unless otherwise attributed.

If you spot a factual error on this site, please let us know.  We are happy to make changes to be sure we're accurate.  We may get some things wrong... but never intentionally!  (Click here for more CGC info.)

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