11/07/2006

Farmland preservation tax headed for defeat

By
Record-Eagle staff writer

LELAND — Leelanau County voters appeared to handily reject a property tax hike that would have funded farmland preservation, but partial election results were too close to call on another millage to pay for 911 and other county services.

The county sought a 0.5-mill levy for the next 15 years to purchase willing farmers' property development rights. With all but two precincts reporting on Tuesday night, unofficial totals showed 6,403 against the measure and 3,874 in favor. Results from the Suttons Bay precinct were not available at press time.

Opponents contended the millage would tax everyone to benefit a few farmers and ultimately could end up hurting the county's farming industry.

Tom Triebes is chairman of Leelanau Taxpayers United, a single-issue citizens group formed to oppose the farmland preservation tax. He said county residents spoke loudly and clearly.

"I think the voters are very intelligent and have a lot of common sense," he said. "The people simply didn't want it."

The tax would have raised about $998,300 in the first year. Supporters touted a need to preserve Leelanau County's agri-tourism economy and predicted the millage revenue would help permanently preserve at least 3,500 acres of farmland.

George Wellman, president of the pro-millage group Save Leelanau Farmland Inc., said members were disappointed with the election result and remained committed to their cause. No decision has been made about a future millage request, he said.

"We had very widespread support from local citizens," Wellman said.

The county also sought an additional 1 mill for two years to fund general operations, including 911 and public safety services. Partial results showed 5,287 votes in favor and 5,148 against the proposed tax.

Elmwood Township resident Michelle Salgat said she voted against both countywide millage requests.

"I think our taxes are already high," she said. "I listened to both sides extensively and figured out how much it would cost us. "

Erik Falconer, another Elmwood Township resident, favored the farmland preservation and operational tax increases.

"It's an investment in the community we live in," he said.