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In fact, some believe that the negativity being passed around is an invention of a few condescending minds. Neither the village, nor the DDA are in crisis mode. Despite some of the words that have passed between a few board members, the situation on a whole seems to be much more favorable for both sides than some have let on. Some things regarding the DDA's budget, specifically, have been misrepresented by certain members, according to some.

"The DDA board had worked up a proposed budget and adopted a final budget at their 2/13/08 meeting and made a recommendation to forward the final proposed budget to the council for the 2/25/08 council meeting. The council unanimously voted the DDA budget into effect starting 3/1/08, at the start of the new fiscal year. There was no tabling of the DDA's budget. The council first saw the proposed DDA budget at their January budget work session. Standard procedure, after a budget work session, is to set a public hearing to adopt the budget, which was done for 2/25/08. The Council approved, without amendment, the DDA budget," Felicia Robinson, Village of Kalkaska clerk, said.

Both boards, the village council and the DDA, share the same goal of continuing to see Kalkaska grow and prosper. Both boards have an operating budget that will allow them to function as viable members of the Kalkaska community. Both boards have a majority of members that state their eager willingness to continue to work together to promote business and prosperity in Kalkaska.

In any organization, personalities will clash. Some take these clashes in stride; some go overboard and accuse where no accusations are needed, or where they may be unfounded. Some allow the chips to fall before passing judgment and some pass judgment long before any decision has actually been made.

The Village of Kalkaska and the Downtown Development Authority are both entities that have been set in place to benefit this region, to promote Kalkaska and its worth, and to ensure the continued growth of Kalkaska. No difference, no matter the size, will come between these two boards and those goals. Kalkaska is a strong community full of vibrant business and people. Both boards have a task that has been made quite a bit easier because of that fact.

Both boards eagerly seek public input.

"On behalf of the DDA Board and the village council, if anyone has specific questions in regards to the DDA funds, DDA plans, etc. they are encouraged to attend a DDA meeting or village council meeting. The next DDA meeting will be held on April 2, 2008 at noon at the village offices. The next village council meeting is held on Monday, March 24, 2008 at 6 p.m. at the village offices. Also, at the most recent DDA meeting - two committees were formed: a by-laws committee and a projects committee. There were a lot of interesting ideas and thoughts that came up at that meeting, and the DDA board is excited to explore those avenues," Robinson said.

Those interested in the happenings of the DDA or the village council should call 231-258-9191.