Traverse City -- City commissioners who serve on the Grand Traverse County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority advised against creating a separate, city-controlled board.
"I don't think the city needs to form its own authority, but it should have more members on it," said Commissioner Barbara Budros.
In January, Budros and Commissioner Ralph Soffredine replaced two county representatives on the nine-member board in an effort to increase city participation in brownfield projects, most of which have been on sites in the city limits.
The county-appointed authority directs millions of dollars in state taxpayer money to developers of so-called brownfield sites, based on criteria including contamination and blight.
"I think we have one of the most successful brownfield authorities in the state, and I would sure hate to see us screw around with that too much," said county board Chairman Addison Wheelock Jr.
Mayor Michael Estes initially pushed for a separate city authority, but now doubts that will happen.
"Ultimately, for the best interest of the residents, we need greater representation on that board," he said, adding he'd like to see city residents serve.
Jean Derenzy, the county's brownfield coordinator, said it's beneficial for city commissioners to be more in-tune with information starting from the beginning of each project.
"I'm hoping that a county board representative can also be on there again," she said. "But the way it's structured right now, it's very well represented by the entire community."
The city's seats will be up for review at year's end, as well as five other appointments.
Budros voiced concerns about decisions regarding the Local Site Remediation Fund. The fund contains about $1.7 million in captured taxes from projects after the developer has been reimbursed, she said. Eligible properties can use the money for certain environmental work.
A majority of the county's brownfield projects are within the city.
