LAURIUM – The village of Laurium has an aging fleet of Department of Public Works vehicles, and village officials are hoping voters will approve a millage request on the Nov. 8 ballot to improve the fleet.

Ed Vertin, Laurium village administrator, said the proposal is for an increase of 2.5 mills, which if approved, would be used solely for upgrading DPW equipment.

“It’s very restrictive language (on the ballot),” he said.

The millage request is for the years 2017 to 2021, and Vertin said it would raise an estimated $58,270 in 2017 to be deposited in the village’s Public Improvement Fund. How much would be raised for subsequent years would depend on the village’s taxable valuation each year.

A partial list of DPW equipment includes two road graders from 1985 and 1997, two snow removal machines from 1974 and 1997, and five dump trucks, two from 1995, three from 2000, and one back up from 1981.

Because the equipment is old, Vertin said it’s expensive to keep them in proper working order.

“Parts are harder to find,” he said. “You’re throwing good money after bad.”

As with most local governments, Vertin said Laurium is hurt by the fact the state has significantly reduced revenue sharing money. Since 2002, the village has experienced about a $1 million decline in revenue-sharing funds.

Because significant snow removal is needed each year, Vertin said it’s important the village’s snow-removal equipment is in good condition.

“It is what it is,” he said of the need to remove snow.

The costs for road sand and salt have continued to increase, also, Vertin said.

Vertin said any residents who want to get more information about village income and costs can come into the village office during work hours.

“We’re managing the taxpayers dollars the best we can,” he said.