Ishpeming council weighs millage, approves steps to protect library funding

Ishpeming officials on June 17 discussed options to close a projected general-fund gap and protect core services, including a tentative 2.5-mill example that staff said could yield roughly $399,000 based on 2025 taxable value. Councilmembers agreed to a special meeting schedule (including July 1) to finalize ballot language if they choose to put a proposal before voters.

The council had already approved first-quarter budget amendments to address a record snow year and heavy plowing costs, shifting some summer activities and directing staff to identify offsets to keep reserves intact. Finance staff reported a May 31 general-fund balance of about $901,000 and noted several revenue pickups (including a $291,000 delinquent-tax settlement) and line-item pressures in local and major streets funds.

Library funding was a central thread of the evening. Library director Jessie Schertz presented a sustainability plan showing that the city currently subsidizes five contracted townships to meet the State Aid to Public Libraries Act requirement of a minimum 3/10 mill of local funding per municipality. Schertz said the library's proposal would implement a graduated five-year increase for the townships and, if a township declines, charge a $90 annual household fee for nonresident access.

Council voted to direct the city administrator to notify Champion, Ely, Humboldt, Ishpeming Township and Tilden townships of the proposed contract language outlining the staggered increase to 3/10 of a mill. The library board estimates the combined township contribution at the 3/10-mill minimum could add roughly $100,000 locally and, with retained state aid and penal-fine allocations, rise toward $125,000.

Mayor Pat Scammon and councilmembers emphasized transparency with voters if the council moves forward with a millage. "If you're going to attach the millage to something, my recommendation is you should attach it to something you're comfortable cutting," one councilmember told colleagues, urging clear language tying any levy to specific services. Staff recommended, and council agreed, that if a millage is proposed it should fund operating expenses sustainably rather than one-time capital needs.

Votes at a glance: the council approved the Q1 budget amendments for local and major streets; accepted the monthly financial statements; and voted to notify the five townships about the library contract proposal. The council set a tentative special meeting for July 1 at 6 p.m. to consider millage language and final direction to staff.

What happens next: staff will prepare draft ballot language, financial scenarios, and the township contract template for council review at the scheduled special meeting(s).