MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Township will sign a renewal contract with the City of Williamston to continue providing recreation services. This will be the fifth year the Township has done so.

The Meridian Township Parks and Recreation Department will administer a number of youth sports programs such as basketball, softball, and baseball for Williamston children. The events will take place in community schools or many state parks in both Willamston and Meridian Township.

The partnership dates back to 2011 when the City Manager of Williamston reached out to begin an agreement with the Meridian Township to pay a service fee and share its recreation infrastructure and staff.
Ever since then the contract has been renewed and both communities expressed that they are benefiting from the cooperation.

LuAnn Maisner, Director of the Meridian Township Parks and Recreation Department said, "In some programs, it is nice to have the Williamston team involved with us like the girls softball for instance. Not a lot of girls softball teams but when we combine our Okemos teams and Haslett's teams, and then you bring in the Williamston teams, now we can have our own league here locally."

Allen Dolley, City Manager of Williamston, said, "We looked for them for their expertise. When something comes about why something is done in a particular way, we put our phone calls at Greg and LuAnn, and say you know you are the people to deal with this."

All programs will start from April this year through March 2017. The administrative services include promotion, administration, recruiting coaches, ordering uniforms, and supplies for players and umpires.

The service fee has increased over the years. Currently, it is $32,446 for 2015-2016. There will be a three percent increase for the next year.

The contract also requires that if there is net revenue, the extra money will go back to Williamston for a youth recreation found. And if there is a loss, the city will reimburse the township.