At the Michigan Townships Association conference on January 28, Carlisle/Wortman announced that it has joined forces with SAFEbuilt Michigan to offer contract building services that can help municipalities reduce costs and generate new income. 

"Public-private partnerships are just about the only solution left as local government budgets get tighter and tighter," said CWA President Dick Carlisle.  "Even the healthiest Michigan communities are reaching the point where they've exhausted their reserves and are going to have to make cuts."  Read more.

For the past year, CWA has staffed the community development and building and engineering departments for the City of Riverview.  

Even with start-up activities, departmental salary and benefits costs were reduced from $374,454 in 2007/2008 to $255,566 in 2008/2009.  We estimate they'll be as low as $185,000 in 2009/2010.   

We identified unregistered rental properties and launched a rental inspection program;   modified building inspector contracts, increasing revenue to the city, and put out the welcome mat to retain and attract new businesses.

Every community is different.  For more information about a comprehensive services program tailor-made for your municipality, contact Doug Lewan via email or 734-662-2200.