Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce Announces Position on Saginaw County Ballot Proposals
On Tuesday, August 7, 2018, the people of Saginaw County will go to the polls to vote on four countywide ballot proposals. The Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to support three of those millage renewals/requests.
Proposal 1 is a millage request of up to 0.425 mills for the Animal Control Commission of Saginaw County. Funds will be used to build a new facility, add staff, and provide for quarantine areas for the public safety. This is a 20 year millage proposal. While the Board of Directors understands the need, there were some concerns about the overall cost of this project, the corresponding amount of this millage, and the length of time. The Board of Directors elected to remain NEUTRAL on Proposal 1.
Proposal 2 is an early renewal of .1997 mills, with an increase of .07 mills, for the Saginaw County Castle Museum. The funds will be used to support four museum partners across Saginaw County including Bridgeport, Chesaning, Frankenmuth and St. Charles. In addition, some overdue capital improvements will be addressed. The Board of Directors voted to SUPPORT Proposal 2.
Proposal 3 is a renewal of .43 mills, with an increase of .16 mills, for the Saginaw County Commission on Aging. This is a five year millage proposal. Requests for services have dramatically increased in Saginaw County and many seniors are on a wait list for Meals on Wheels in-home food delivery. The Board of Directors voted to SUPPORT Proposal 3.
Proposal 4 is a new millage request of 0.28 mills for the Saginaw County 9-1-1 Authority. Most counties across Michigan are funded, at least partially, through millage. Saginaw County is not. The dramatic decrease in land lines has affected 9-1-1’s ability to standardize and upgrade technology. This revenue would be used to upgrade and replace communication equipment for first responders across Saginaw County, including municipal police and fire departments as well as volunteer departments, EMS and others. The Board of Directors voted to SUPPORT Proposal 4.
"The Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors thoroughly reviewed the proposals and have voted unanimously to remain neutral on Proposal 1 and support Proposals 2, 3 and 4.” said Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Tim Hausbeck. “These agencies are non-mandated. In other words, they are not funded through the County of Saginaw’s General Fund Budget. Each has done a remarkable job in keeping the costs of public services under control. Our Board of Directors recognizes the increase in costs and maintaining facilities and felt the three millages merited support.”
Public Safety is critical for Saginaw County citizens, the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce members and the entire business community. We urge a YES vote on Proposals 2, 3 and 4 on Tuesday, August 7, 2018.
