PRIMARY ELECTION: Voters asked to vote on millage renewals
Isabella County residents will have the opportunity to vote on two ballot proposals in the Aug. 7 primary election. The Isabella County Parks and Recreation Commission and the Chippewa River District Library are asking voters for millage renewals.
The Parks and Recreation Commission is asking voters to renew a six-year millage of .35 mills. The renewal would generate up to about $572,000 in 2019. The money will be used to operate and improve park facilities and programs.
A renewal of .35 mills means 35 cents for every $1,000 of taxable property value. So, if the taxable value of a person's home is about $50,000 and the millage renewal is approved, the taxpayer would continue to pay an additional $17.50 in taxes until 2023, when the millage must be renewed.
The county park millage was implemented in 2012. Since then, the commission has completed several projects including the Coldwater Lake Family Park Playground and the Family Park Boat Launch, the Deerfield Nature Park Disc Golf Courses, invasive species removal and re-forestation in areas affected by invasive species.
If the park millage is renewed, Isabella County Parks and Recreation Direction Sue Ann Kopmeyer said the commission will improve and increase programs and events offered at the parks. In particular, they plan to offer more programs for schools and children. Kopmeyer said they've already seen good results and feedback from the programs they have offered.
The millage renewal would support cross country ski trails in Deerfield Nature Park, conservation programs and trail developments. See the fact sheet below for a full list of what the renewal will support.
The Chippewa District Library is asking voters to renew a 20-year millage of 1.75 mills. The renewal would generate about $2.08 million in 2019. The funds will help expand the library's programs and technology and information access. The district library has operated under the same millage rate since 1998.
A renewal of .75 mill means $1.75 for every $1,000 of taxable value of a property. So if the taxable value of a person's home is $50,000, they would continue to pay an additional $87.50 in taxes until 2038, when the millage will be up for renewal again.
Marketing and public relations coordinator Lisa McCartney said that more than 80 percent of library funding comes from the operating millage. If the millage is not renewed, McCartney said the library will be forced to close some of its branches and significantly reduce the operating hours.
If the millage is renewed, McCartney said the library would like to expand the programs they offer and include STEM programs. The library would also be able to expand access for patrons who have difficulty accessing the library by offering at-home access and more access to technology. See the fact sheet below for a full list of what the renewal will support.
