Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Senior Millage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lapeer County commissioners approve renewal and increase of senior-services millage, 5‑2
Summary
The Lapeer County Board of Commissioners on April 23 approved ballot language to renew and increase a senior‑services millage to 0.4578 mills for 2027–2030, recording an estimated first‑year revenue of $1,985,874 and a $45.78 annual tax on a $100,000 taxable value; the board also created an Ad Hoc Committee to review local capture of millage revenue.
The Lapeer County Board of Commissioners voted 5‑2 on April 23 to adopt ballot language that would renew and increase the county’s senior‑services millage, authorizing placement of the measure on the Aug. 4, 2026 primary ballot.
Commissioner C. Ian Kempf moved to adopt the exact ballot language and Commissioner Bryan Zender supported the motion; roll call recorded five ayes and two nays (Scott McMahan and Kevin Knisely voted no). The measure would renew a previously‑voted increase in the tax limitation (0.3916 mills) and raise it to 0.4578 mills for four years, 2027–2030.
The millage language approved by the board includes the estimate that the first full year of collection would generate about $1,985,874. Under the example in the proposal, a property with a $100,000 taxable value would be taxed up to $45.78 annually for this levy — an estimated increase of $7.38 per year compared with the expiring levy. The language also notes that, by operation of Michigan law, a portion of the millage receipts will be distributed to certain local units, including the City of Lapeer Downtown Development Authority and the Village of Almont Downtown Development Authority.
Administrator Sanzo told commissioners he revised the ballot language after being informed that the Village of Almont DDA intended to capture the millage, prompting discussion among commissioners about whether to place the renewal on the August primary ballot or wait until the November general election. The board ultimately approved immediate submittal of the ballot language to the county clerk prior to the May 12 filing deadline.
Following the vote, the board created an Ad Hoc Committee to consider the issue of local jurisdictions capturing millage revenue. Commissioner C. Ian Kempf was named chair of the committee, with Commissioners Brad Haggadone and Scott McMahan appointed as members.
The board’s action directs county staff to file the approved language with the County Clerk and proceeds to the next procedural step in placing the question before voters on Aug. 4, 2026.
