Here's the proposals Calhoun County voters can expect on next month's ballot

MARSHALL — This August, Calhoun County voters are being asked to consider renewing a 0.2-mill tax for the next five years to fund the development and maintenance of local parks.

The Calhoun County Parks Millage is expected to generate approximately $911,600 in its first year, if approved by voters. Someone who owns property worth $100,000 would continue to pay $10 per year through 2029.

The millage, initially approved by voters in 2020, raises funds to operate, preserve, acquire, maintain, and develop parks in the county.

“Every day park visitors tell us how much they love the improvements we’re making,” Community Development Assistant Director Doug Ferrall said in a statement. “We’ve heard great feedback on everything from planting wildflowers and keeping the bathrooms cleaner to bigger projects like building new parks and pavilions. People really appreciate seeing where their tax dollars are going.”

Each year, 50% of parks millage funds are used for county parks, and 50% of funds are allocated to cities, townships, and villages for their parks. The allocation to local governments is based on population size, with additional funds available for park amenities in rural communities, improving river access and matching grant funds.

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In just three years, the parks millage has improved amenities such as playgrounds, pavilions, trails, as well as development of the new Ménwabek Park, renovation of two boat launches, and increase in maintenance to make parks more appealing and safer for visitors. Millage funds were also leveraged to secure over $1 million in additional grants for projects across the county.

Here are a few other proposals area voters can expect on the Aug. 6 ballot:

Albion recreation millage

Albion voters will be asked to vote on whether to renew a 2-mill tax ($2 per $1,000 taxable value) for three years to fund city recreation programs for young people, adults, families and senior citizens.

The tax is expected to generate $238,422 in its first year, if approved by voters.

Clarence Township road millages

Clarence Township is asking voters to consider renewing a 0.5-mill tax for the next six years to fund road repairs. The township is also asking voters to consider an additional 0.5-mill tax for the same purpose, with both proposals running through 2029.

Each proposal is expected to generate $40,000 in its first year, if approved by voters.

Lakeview School District operating millage

Voters in the Lakeview School District will be asked to consider renewing a six-year, 18-mill non-homestead operating millage for day-to-day operations of the district.

Unlike other operating millages, non-homestead millages do not tax primary residences, but apply to other property, such as rental properties, second homes and commercial and industrial businesses.

In order to receive the full per-pupil state funding, districts across the state have to levy a non-homestead property tax of 18 mills.

The millage is expected to generate roughly $4.68 million in its first year, if approved by voters. The owner of a non-homestead property with a taxable value of $50,000 would continue to pay about $900 annually, the same amount they paid under the soon-to-expire millage.

Marshall trash, leaf and brush millage

Marshall is asking voters to consider renewing a 0.75-mill tax through 2028 to fund the removal of trash, leaves and brush in the city.

The millage is expected to generate $200,000 in its first year, if approved by voters.

Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com