By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com


Livingston County officials are prepared to help the Veteran Services Office get into a new headquarters.

Livingston County Veteran Services has been working out of office space that staff feels is not adequate to accommodate growth and new programs. They have been working this year to negotiate a lease at the Country Corners Shopping Center on East Grand River in Genoa Township, near Latson Road. They would occupy 3,020-square feet in what was formerly the Art Van Pure Sleep building. The lease has been sent to the landlord’s attorney, but is currently being held up there. Veteran Services Director Mary Durst told the Board of Commissioners during their online meeting Monday, that even though they been having a difficult time working with the owners, the location is a “great spot” with “great visibility.” She said, “It’s basically a perfect for us.”

Commissioners authorized the lease agreement in a resolution that states the 10-year lease has a monthly rate of roughly $3,650, with set annual increases. Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency grant money will be used to defray lease costs until 2022, and then millage funding will be used. That grant opportunity made passing this resolution a matter of time-sensitivity. Commission Chairwoman and realtor Carol Griffith said that sometimes in real estate these agreements gets dragged out and they don’t always know why. She suggested that what’s going on with the landlord’s attorney isn’t unusual. County Commissioners approved the resolution unanimously.