Charlevoix Township voters will head to the polls on May 5 to decide the fate of a proposed 2-mill levy that would fund an array of township operations and services.
The proposal is largely a continuation of existing funding. Of the 2 mills being requested (which amounts to $2 per each $1,000 of taxable value), 1.9262 mills represents a renewal of the millage rate from November 2020. That leaves .0738 mill as new additional millage.
If approved, the millage would be levied through December 2030, providing what Charlevoix Township Trustee and Planning Commissioner J.B. Hoyt said is a stable funding stream for a range of core township operations. That includes funding for public safety, emergency preparedness, parks and recreation, infrastructure and facility maintenance, and equipment repair and replacement. It would also fund other required municipal services like drinking water and help the township remain in compliance with state regulations.
“Our tax base is growing but it is not keeping up with the cost of inflation, so this very small increase will help there,” Hoyt said. “It’s really an operating millage to help keep the township running.”
Without voter approval, the township would lose access to a large percentage of its annual budget resulting in an immediate funding gap, he added.
“If this millage doesn’t pass, it would be pretty devastating to our township,” Hoyt said. “I’m not sure we could keep our recreational facilities open or be able to afford many basic services.”
A fact sheet developed and distributed by the township suggests that the added mills would help offset rising costs for fuel, materials, construction, staffing, insurance and equipment, while also preventing deferred maintenance that could lead to more expensive repairs in the future. Funding would be available for continued facility upgrades at Shanahan Field, including its tennis and pickleball courts, baseball fields and soccer fields, Hoyt said.
“These facilities are used by (residents in) neighboring communities and we draw several (youth sports) tournaments every year,” Hoyt said. “We spent two to three years deferring some expenses for things we needed and (the millage) gives us a chance to pay for it with very little (tax) impact.”
All funds generated by the millage would remain local and could only be used for township-approved purposes. Hoyt also noted that Charlevoix Township retains regular office hours for residents, which is not always available in other Northern Michigan communities. The funding with the millage would also keep that service possible.
Hoyt believes there is a broad understanding from township residents of how important the millage is. However, he and other proponents of the millage don’t want to assume anything.
“We can’t afford to go backwards,” Hoyt said. “We just wouldn’t be servicing our residents the way they deserve.”
Residents seeking more information can visit charlevoixtownship.gov or call the township office at 231-547-4611.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Charlevoix Township millage request would fund mix of services, operations
Reporting by M. Alan Scott, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
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