Allegan County road millage up for renewal in August

ALLEGAN — A longstanding millage to pay for road repairs in Allegan County will go before voters for renewal on Aug. 6.

The Allegan County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve ballot language and place a six-year renewal of the millage on the August ballot during their meeting Thursday, April 25.

According to the ballot language, funds would be used for “resurfacing, preservation, and related preparation of primary roads included in the Allegan County Road System and for reconstruction, resurfacing, and maintenance of major and local streets within the incorporated limits of villages and cities within Allegan County.”

If approved, the proposal would levy a 1 mill tax for six years, 2024-2029. It's expected to generate over $6.1 million in the first year.

The proposal would renew a 0.9654 mill tax that expired, and restore 0.0346 mill that was lost due to Headlee Amendment rollbacks. Rollbacks occur when the taxable value of properties increases faster than the rate of inflation.

On Thursday, County Administrator Rob Sarro noted that, although the board had to approve the millage going on the ballot, funds will go to the Allegan County Road Commission.

“It’s the road commission as a body and their administration that makes the use of and all decisions relative to the funds.”

Sarro added the road commission maintains a separate audit of millage funds, as well.

Commissioner Gale Dugan said the millage, which has been around in some form since 1968, has been a benefit to the county.

“It’s been an absolute positive thing … to keep our primary road system in good order,” he said.

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According to its website, the Allegan County Road Commission is responsible for maintaining 1,800 miles of roadway and 154 bridges.

The millage began as a 1 mill tax for bridge and culvert replacement in 1968. In 1982, it was updated to be a primary road resurfacing millage. Language was revised again in 2008 to include “preservation and preparation” along with resurfacing. It was most recently renewed in 2018, passing by more than 9,500 votes.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Allegan County road millage up for renewal in August