Manistee County Tax Allocation Board OKs two‑year renewal ballot language to keep 7.3‑mill cap

The Manistee County Tax Allocation Board voted unanimously Feb. 24 to place a two‑year renewal of separate tax limitations on the Aug. 4, 2026 primary election ballot, preserving a 7.3‑mill aggregate cap apportioned as 5.5 mills for the county, 1.5 mills for townships and 0.3 mill for intermediate school districts.

Chairperson Rachel Nelson, the county treasurer, summarized fund balances and Fund Balance Ratio to Budget figures for the county and local entities and told the board the caps represent maximums; townships may levy up to their share but are not required to use the full amount. Kris Mauntler, the Intermediate School District representative, said she supported a two‑year renewal because of recent Headlee rollback uncertainty and because local entities budget based on expected revenues. "Shall separate tax limitations be established for a period of two (2) years (2027 through 2028, inclusive) or until altered by the voters of Manistee County for the County of Manistee and the Townships and Intermediate School Districts within the County, the aggregate of which shall not exceed 7.3 mills as follows?" the ballot language reads.

The motion to approve the two‑year renewal language and place it on the Aug. 4, 2026 primary ballot was moved by Kris Mauntler and seconded by Burton Parks; the board recorded YEAS from Denise Lerg, Kris Mauntler, Rachel Nelson, Burton Parks, Eric Gustad and Richard Mobley (6), and the motion carried. Burton Parks also cited Michigan State University data comparing allocations across 83 counties and said Manistee County's breakdown is consistent with statewide practices.

The board did not schedule any further 2026 Tax Allocation Board meetings, and the approved ballot language will appear on the county's primary election ballot for voter consideration.