The first meeting of a new commission studying the possible disincorporation of the village of Baroda will be held March 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the shared Baroda municipal building.

The disincorporation effort began after resident James Whitehead submitted petitions seeking to dissolve the village and absorb it into Baroda Township this month. Township Clerk Christina Price tells us the petition signatures have been verified, and the six-member commission — made up of three township and three village representatives — is nearly complete. The village has appointed its members, while the township has one seat left to fill. So far, Price and Supervisor Dennis Krotzer are serving.

At its first meeting, the commission will set bylaws and a schedule before reviewing the implications of disincorporation. We’ve heard from village residents concerned about the entire process. They feel not enough information has been made public, and that could begin to be addressed with the meeting.

If the township and village sides of the commission agree to proceed with disincorporation, Price says the question would go to voters in both the village and township and require a simple majority to pass. If the two sides do not agree, the issue would go only to village voters, and a two-thirds majority would be needed.

Supporters say dissolving the village would eliminate its taxes.