CALUMET – Officials in the village of Calumet are hoping voters on Nov. 8 will approve the renewal of 3 mills for operation and maintenance expenses to help the village keep pace with equipment needs.

Rob Tarvis, village administrator, said the renewal of the five-year millage is an important part of the village’s overall budget.

“It would bring about $26,000,” he said. “We collect less than $200,000 in property taxes, so that ($26,000) is a big chunk.”

Tarvis said some of the Department of Public Works equipment is decades old and in constant need of repair.

Calumet Public Works Director Steve Kellow would like to get a front-end loader for the DPW, which Tarvis said would be missed if they didn’t have one.

“It would someday impact snow removal,” he said.

Tarvis said the village owes about $77,000 on its road grader. The village can finance only about another $30,000 for other equipment.

The wording on the ballot for the millage renewal states it can be also used for police equipment, police services, and street maintenance.

Tarvis said the 3-mill for general operations and maintenance has been in existence since 1976.

“It’s been a long time,” he said.