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ÒIt is our desire to facilitate policy in the best interest of the county and everyone living here,Ó Kalkaska County Board chairman and District No. 3 Commissioner George Shetler said in opening the hour-long forum. ÒAcross the state every road commission is in the same financial straits and every county is dealing with this and Kalkaska County is not alone. We are asking you here to help us figure something out.Ó

Under the present three-person format, any two of the road commissioners could inadvertently meet and create a quorum, which is direct violation of the stateÕs Open Meetings Act. With the expansion to five, that alleviates the problem and also provides more input from others. District No. 4 Commissioner Alan McCullen said, if for no other reason, he would like to see the board expanded for this reason.

State legislators last year adopted legislation allowing for the expansion for road commissions up to five members According to Shetler, the road commission can be expanded up to five members or it can be left like it is presently.

Vice Chairman and District No. 7 Commissioner Craig Wood felt that by expanding the commission, representatives might be able to come from other areas of the county.

ÒI think this would help benefit the other county areas,Ó Wood said.