The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has opted to continue contracting with Midwest Strategy Group of Michigan for consulting and liaison services in Lansing.
The board regularly receives updates from the firm’s Michael Krombeen on the latest goings on in state government. However, at Thursday’s meeting of the board, Commissioner Sharon Tyler questioned the need to continue working with Midwest, saying the county could have less expensive options and may even have some redundancies.
“I am concerned at these difficult times and what the unknown is in our budget and with changes on the federal area, whether the 49,000 is advisable,” Tyler said.
Midwest Strategy charges the county a $4,000 per month retainer and is reimbursed for other costs that amount to about $49,000 per year.
However, the rest of the county commissioners disagreed with Tyler about looking at other options. Commissioner Teri Freehling said Midwest has helped Berrien County obtain several grants and helped the board work with lawmakers.
“Going up to Lansing and having them as a point of contact has been really beneficial to be able to have those face-to-faces,” Freehling said.
Commissioner Julie Wuerfel noted Midwest Strategy helped the county secure its Robin Grant that paid for broadband expansion in rural areas. Commissioners voted to continue the contract with the consulting firm with only Tyler voting no.
