The Livingston County Board voted Jan. 16 to move forward with an updated intergovernmental agreement (IGA) to provide regional public transportation in partnership with Ford and Iroquois counties.

Alina, who presented the IGA to the Rules, Legislation, Veterans and Community Services Committee, said the latest draft removes PCOM from the transportation committee and limits the committee to six voting members — two representatives from each county — and gives Livingston County the authority to apply for capital and other grants on behalf of the regional program. "As primary recipient of the grant, Livingston County is responsible for all the items under the grant," Alina said, and clarified that removing PCOM changed the voting structure and quorum requirements.

Alina said Ford County submitted extensive proposed revisions that Livingston could not accept; she also said Iroquois County had approved an earlier version but had not seen the most recent changes. Board members debated whether to delay the vote to allow a joint meeting with all three counties. Proponents argued moving forward would show leadership and could be tweaked later; opponents urged more intercounty coordination. One board member, Fair, recorded a dissenting vote during the roll call.

The IGA now goes back to the other counties for their consideration and, if approved by all parties, would allow Livingston County to serve as the primary grant recipient and administrator for the regional transit program. Board members were told grant documents are scheduled for release at the end of the month, which is why staff recommended acting now rather than waiting.

Next steps: the IGA requires additional approvals from Ford and Iroquois counties; staff said they can return with amendments if needed.