On August 4, Benzie voters will have the opportunity to approve a proposal to reset property tax rates to a level which, although well below what voters originally authorized in 1982, will result in a modest increase for county taxpayers (roughly $158 per year for the typical Benzie County home owner). The proposal was submitted by our elected County commissioners on a bipartisan basis.
It is supported by Local businesses and community organizations. If approved by the voters, it will replace a patchwork of millages, and it will ensure continuation of vital services provided to our community including law enforcement, animal control, school resource officers, drug enforcement, parks and recreation, MSU Extension Service and fire protection. The issue will be reconsidered by voters in two years.
Since voters authorized property tax rates 40 years ago, our County’s population has increased by over 60% from what it was. It would be an understatement to say that tax revenues have not kept pace with our community’s needs.
While taxes can be a sensitive topic for many of us, the time has come to reset the rates as most other Michigan counties have already done. The changes proposed are modest, and subject to reconsideration after two years.
