LANSING, MI (WHTC)  - The issue of whether to merge the cities of Saugatuck and Douglas into a single governmental entity is apparently now in the proverbial laps of the local residents. The state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has concurred with the recommendation of the State Boundary Commission that such a merger should take place, based on various factors. It would take place unless signed ballot petitions to put the question before local voters are submitted to Lansing by February 18^th; officials of both Consolidated Government Committee, who is behind the merger effort, and Citizens for Independent and Cooperative Communities, who opposes it, say that such petitions will be submitted. Council members in both cities have agreed to conduct an independent study into claims that a merger would save money, as the CGC contends.