Isabella County residents are gearing up for a crucial decision that could shape the community's future. At stake is the
renewal of the county millage, a funding mechanism that supports essential services and infrastructure. As the August 6 primary approaches, local officials and citizens are weighing the significance of this vote. We gathered the facts to help voters decide.
Renewal not an increase
The County is requesting renewal of the 7.8900 mills operational budget, maintaining the current property tax rates for Isabella County. Residents have approved this millage rate every four years. It has not increased since 1978.
There are actually three county-wide proposals on the primary ballot:
● Renewal of the Fixed Operational Millage
● Renewal of the Parks and Recreation Millage
● Renewal of the Isabella County Transportation Commission Millage
These are not new taxes. These proposals seek to renew millages previously approved by voters, ensuring no new taxes. Approval would maintain current service levels, while rejection is expected to result in reduced services.
“Passage of this operational millage is critical for maintaining the basic public services provided by our local governments and our school district,” says Jim McBryde, president and CEO of Middle Michigan Development Corporation.
The millage funding supports the many services provided by the County including:
- Animal Control and Animal Shelter
- Board of Commissioners
- Central Michigan District Health Department
- Community Development and Community Mental Health
- County Clerk
- Drain Commissioner
- Emergency Management
- Medical Examiner Services
- MSU Extension, 4-H
- Prosecuting Attorney and Public Defender’s Office
- Recycling
- Register of Deeds
- Sheriff’s Office and Corrections
- Substance Abuse Services
- County Treasurer, Isabella County Trial Court
- Veterans’ Affairs
Why renew?
Losing the operating millage, which constitutes 60 percent of the county's revenue, would deal a severe blow to the county as it’s already implementing substantial budget cuts after a previous request for a 2.5 mill increase was voted down in February by 74 percent of voters.
"If we had to look at less millage than 6.61, definitely that would go beyond services we consider essential or much desired. That likely would dip into the mandated services realm," Nicole Frost, Isabella County Administrator/Controller, told
ABC 12 News.
“The millage renewal is a vote to continue the essential services that will help to promote our economic stability and continued job creation, " says McBryde. “It is a commitment to the continued progress and prosperity of Isabella County.”
On the ballot
The following is the request voters will see on the ballot on Aug. 6.
RENEWAL OF FIXED OPERATIONAL MILLAGE
Shall separate tax limitations be established for a four-year time period, or until altered by the voters of Isabella County, for the County of Isabella, Townships and Intermediate School District within the County, the aggregate of which shall not exceed 7.89 mills as follows:
County of Isabella 6.6100 mills
Townships 1.0000 mills
Intermediate School District .2800 mills
Total 7.8900 mills
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