07/30/2006

Lots on the election plate

By Christine Finger

cfinger@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — Voters in northwest Michigan could make or break several county projects and services — including recycling, public transportation and a new jail — when they head to the polls Aug. 8.

The primary election ballot in Leelanau County features a proposed $29-per-household fee over the next five years to pay for and expand the county's recycling program.

The seven existing recycling drop-off sites, household hazardous waste collection and electronics recycling are funded through a 50-cent surcharge on landfilled waste. But county officials said those revenues haven't kept pace with the program's $275,000 annual price tag.

The residential fee will be decided by voters in each municipality — if it's approved by every township and village in Leelanau County, the new revenue would total an estimated $416,933 per year.

In Benzie County, a proposed 0.5-mill, five-year tax levy would pay to provide dial-a-ride bus service with direct links to Frankfort, Beulah, Benzonia, Thompsonville and Lake Ann, and express bus service to Traverse City and Manistee. Supporters contend the service would boost communities and the economy by taking people to work, school and local businesses, and help residents remain active and independent.

Otsego County voters will decide on 1.6-mill levy over the next 20 years to support construction and operation of a new county jail. Also proposed is 0.55 mills for 20 years to build a 53,000-square-foot addition to the county's Sportsplex facility.

The county millage questions accompany several contested primary races for county boards and local government offices, as well as numerous township millages to fund fire and public safety services. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.