WRIGHT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZZM) - An Ottawa County township has taken cost saving measures to a new level.
Wright Township offered just $1 to buy a vacant building from the Kenowa Hills School District, which is worth tens of thousands of dollars. This week, the school board rejected the deal and made a much larger counter offer.
When Wright Township Hall needs fixing, Township Supervisor Josh Westgate is always trying to save money.
"We rolled up our sleeves and did it ourselves," says Westgate.
At 23 years old, he's one of the youngest elected officials around and he now has another claim to fame. He's made an unforgettable offer to buy a vacant building from the Kenowa Hills School District.
"We offered $1 and the school board rejected it," says Westgate.
"We countered with $200,000. The building is appraised at $400,000," says School Board President Frank Hammond.
Hammond says the offer was voted down unanimously.
"Some of the board members were surprised, a little bit, and thought it would have been a little bit more, but we're all dealing with difficult times," says Hammond.
Westgate was hoping to use the former elementary school building as a new township hall. Westgate didn't have a specific reason why he offered anything at all.
"Got to offer something," says Westgate.
WZZM 13 checked out a Family Dollar and found that $1 will buy a miniature football, a tube of toothpaste, or a school notebook.
Westgate says he was trying to save the district upkeep costs and keep the building from being demolished. However, he says the counter offer is not likely to find a deal.
"We can't justify spending $200,000 for that building," says Westgate.
Both sides are willing to continue negotiating.
Hammond says because Kenowa Hills School District represents a number of local governments, he's looking for a deal that will benefit everyone.