The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Voters to decide millage request Nov. 4
By Sue G. Collins, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: October 2, 2008
Milan city voters will be asked to approve a 2-mill levy for improvements to city streets, sewer and water lines Nov. 4.
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If approved, the tax would be levied for up to 15 years and mean an increase of $200 in city taxes for a home assessed at $100,000.
The money would be placed in a dedicated fund that only could be used for the proposed improvements.
Included in the plans are improvements to sewer lines and storm sewer drainages, new street surfaces, curbs, gutters and sidewalks.
"Many of the city's water and sewer lines are old and have outlived their useful lives," according to a "fact sheet" provided by the city.
The $6.2 million bond represents less than half of the estimated $18.7 million identified as necessary water, sewer and road projects in the city.
There are about $15 million in infrastructure projects, and about $3.7 million in additional street projects proposed by the city said Dan Bishop, city administrator.
The replacement of water, sewer and storm drains, new curb and gutter and road replacement and sidewalks are included in the proposed projects.
City officials have prioritized work on Ferman from Main Street to Michigan Avenue; Everett from Platt Road to Main Street; Bodley Crescent between St. Louis and Everett; Argyle Crescent from St. Louis to Main Street; and Lee from Layette to Lewis Avenue as the top priorities.
And residents have expressed both pro and con views at recent City Council meetings.
At a Sept. 8 meeting, resident Barbara Atkinson, who lives on Marvin Street, said she was pleased that the City Council put tax question on the ballot.
On Sept. 22, resident Kris Kartje told the council it should find the money to complete the projects from its current operating budget.
"I'm telling people to vote 'no,'" he said, adding that people cannot afford higher taxes.
City officials said in a written explanation of the tax increase that the city cannot fund "the proper repair and replacement of the water and sewer mains or make road repairs with its current funding limitations."
The city has a $5 million operating budget and is currently discussing ways to reduce its expenses.
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