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Lapeer County commissioners adopt senior-services millage language for August ballot; vote splits 5–2
Summary
The Lapeer County Board of Commissioners approved ballot language to renew and increase the senior citizens services millage (from 0.3916 to 0.4578 mills) for 2027–2030; the measure is set for the Aug. 4, 2026 primary ballot after a 5–2 roll call vote.
The Lapeer County Board of Commissioners voted April 23 to place renewed and increased millage language for senior citizen services on the Aug. 4, 2026 primary ballot.
Under the language the board approved, a previously-voted increase of 0.3916 mills would be renewed and raised to 0.4578 mills for a four-year period covering 2027 through 2030. County staff estimate first-year revenue at $1,985,874; the ballot statement says a property with a taxable value of $100,000 would be taxed up to $45.78 annually (an estimated $7.38 increase).
The change follows a revision to the ballot language presented by County Administrator Sanzo after the Village of Almont Downtown Development Authority informed the county it will capture millage proceeds; commissioners discussed whether to seek placement on the August primary or the November general ballot before choosing the August date. The ballot language notes that, by operation of Michigan law, some revenue will be disbursed to certain local units including the City of Lapeer DDA and the Village of Almont DDA.
The vote to adopt the final language (motion 116-2026) passed on a roll call: Greg Wise, Bryan Zender, Brad Haggadone, C. Ian Kempf and Chairman Gary Howell voted aye; Scott McMahan and Kevin Knisely voted nay (tally: 5 ayes, 2 nays). The board directed the clerk to submit the language to the County Clerk prior to May 12, 2026.
The board also created an Ad Hoc Committee to study issues related to local jurisdictions capturing millage revenue, appointing Commissioner C. Ian Kempf as chair with Commissioners Brad Haggadone and Scott McMahan serving on the committee (motions 117-2026 and 118-2026).
What the measure would fund: the ballot language specifies senior services including home-delivered meals, congregate meal sites, personal care, respite care and senior center activities and operations. The millage would fund county senior citizen services for four years if approved by voters.
The board’s action follows prior Committee of the Whole motions that were rescinded and then re-approved earlier in the meeting (motions 114-2026 and 115-2026), and Administrator Sanzo’s note that the Village of Almont DDA’s capture of the millage prompted revised language.
Next steps: The County Clerk will receive the approved ballot language ahead of the May 12, 2026 submission date so the measure can appear on the August 4, 2026 primary ballot.
