Midland County Connection in jeopardy

By John Kennett
Journalism 312

Midland County residents may be forced to find alternate forms of transportation in November if a proposed millage request fails.

That was the dilemma discussed Tuesday at the Midland County Board of Commissioners’ meeting. Commissioners discussed the renewal and increase of a millage for County Connections.

By a 4-3 vote, commissioners decided to ask voters in November for an increase in the millage from 0.15 mill to 0.25 mill. For the owner of a $100,000 house the proposed increase would mean a tax increase from $7.50 per year to $12.50 per year. The increase would be for 2009-2012.

“If this doesn’t pass, then there will be no more County Connection,” said Commissioner Howard Schoenherr, who voted for the proposal. “The question is, ‘Do the people of Midland County want County Connections?’”

Commissioner James Leigeb, who voted against the resolution, felt that the board still needed to explore more options before deciding.

“I hate to see the millage go down and not have County Connection anymore,” he said. “It will hurt a lot of people. I don’t feel like we have looked at enough options.”

With no increases in state funding, and rising expenses, the County Connection is in need of additional revenue.

The transit system relies heavily on matching funds from the state.

The state’s portion of the County Connection budget has dropped to 36 percent from 45 percent.

“The budget for public transportation has not seen an increase in quite a few years,” said Lyn Knapp, executive director of Midland County Connection.

Since County Connection’s fiscal year begins Oct. 1, Knapp would have preferred an August ballot proposal.

Chairman James Bradley discussed the possibility of going to the voters in August with a request for .25 mills. If that proposal failed, the board would go back to voters in November with an amended .15 mills.

Commissioners Schoenherr and Bill Waterman disagreed with Bradley’s proposal.

Edited by Justin Marr