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Board rejects proposed Commission on Aging millage increase in 4–3 roll call
Summary
A proposal to increase the Montcalm County Commission on Aging millage from 0.45 to 1.0 mill for four years was proposed for the August 4, 2026 ballot but failed on a 4–3 roll call (Ayes: Alexander, Johnston, Mahar; Nays: Murray, Johnson, Petersen, Carr).
Pamela Shock, director of the Montcalm County Commission on Aging, asked the Board to place a millage proposal on the Aug. 4, 2026 primary ballot to increase the levy from 0.45 mill to 1.0 mill to address rising demand for services.
Shock told commissioners the COA has a $625,000 fund balance against an approximately $1.8 million annual budget and said there are "over 20 people on the wait list for services right now," arguing additional revenue would restore services such as homemaking, handyman assistance, snow removal and lawn care that were cut in 2012. Several commissioners expressed concern about asking voters for a tax increase. On roll call the motion to place the question on the ballot failed 4–3 (Ayes: Commissioners Alexander, Johnston and Mahar; Nays: Commissioners Murray, Johnson, Petersen and Carr).
The failed motion means the COA will continue operating under the current 0.45 mill authorized by voters in 2022 unless the Board or proponents bring a new proposal forward for a future election.
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