State Reps. Matt Lori and Dave Pagel announced Oronoko Township and Cass County have been awarded grants to help offset costs associated with consolidating some services.
The money is part of $6 million in funding through the Competitive Grant Assistance Program, awarded to 17 local units of government across Michigan this year.
Oronoko Township will receive a $28,800 grant to collaborate with the village of Berrien Springs to develop a shared zoning-and-building ordinance.
Meanwhile, Cass County will receive an $84,000 state grant to collaborate with St. Joseph County for services that ensure property taxes are assessed equally.
Lori said funding will enable St. Joseph and Cass counties to incorporate best practices into making sure property appraisals and assessments are equal throughout their communities.
More than 40 applications were received by the Michigan Department of Treasury for the competitive grants.