Mistake means Ottawa road commission is owed $287K

Fri, Jul 3, 2009    to del.icio.us

LANSING (AP) — A state auditor general's report shows the Michigan Department of Transportation incorrectly distributed gas tax funds to 35 county road commissions in the past two budget years.

The error reportedly resulted in $448,253 in underpayments to 19 county road commissions and $448,253 in overpayments to 16 road commissions.

Ottawa County was the biggest loser among the 19 underpaid counties. Neighboring Allegan County now must pay back about $287,000 in funds that should have gone to Ottawa.

The mistake occurred because MDOT excluded the city of Holland, which straddles the county lines of Ottawa and Allegan.

The two road agencies agreed to a plan that has Allegan providing installments of around $96,000 over the next three years.