Some $16,000 was allocated Tuesday by the Township Board to continue a years-long process to write a new Zoning Ordinance amid questions that more funds may be needed.

The money was largely allocated to pay bills submitted by township attorney Jim Young and planning consultant Val Lazdins, who are reviewing final drafts of the ordinance. Some $5,000 is needed for legal review, $6,000 for the planner’s review, and another $5,000 to cover bills already submitted.

Supervisor Derith Smith warned that the price tag will finish higher, as she identified another $7,800 in bills submitted or on the way.

“I came up with $24,000,” said Smith.

“We’ll take it,” said township staff planner Bill Swanson, who delivered the bad fiscal news to the board.

Smith was concerned over the rising costs, but recalled that the board had rejected a request from township planners for more funding in the 2007 budget while settling on a $37,100 budget.

“The Planning Commission did request more,” she said. “We asked them to come back to us with an update, and that's what they’re doing.”

Lautner, who later in the meeting made an unseconded motion to abolish the township Planning Commission in favor of county zoning, said the time spent by consultants reviewing the process should be better monitored.

“It seems like they’re planning ping pong with it too much,” said Lautner. He cast the lone vote against the budget amendment.

Township planners are seeking to write an ordinance that will require little township oversight to report, and will be easy to interpret, Swanson said.

In other business at the more-than two-hour meeting, the board:

• Heard a report from 33-year township zoning administrator Don Watkowski, who sought to clear up several false statements made about him and his position during a winter leave of absence.

• Approved the renewal of a township insurance policy with the Michigan Township Participating Plan for $26,201. The premium price increased just $150, according to insurance agent Paul W. Olson.

• Accepted ownership of the private water system servicing Harbor West Marina Village Condominium Association. The township was represented by attorney Dennis LaBelle.

• Received the first report from new harbormaster Mark Benedict, who said he and assistant harbormaster Peter Moon are seeking to “keep a healthy relationship with the board and supervisor through good communication.”