On the ballot
Laurium seeks reduced replacement DPW millage
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LAURIUM -- On Nov. 3, village voters will decide on a restructured Department of Public Works (DPW) equipment millage proposal that lowers the tax rate while expanding how the collected revenue can be utilized.
The proposal seeks to replace an expiring 2.50-mill levy with a reduced rate of 2.25 mills for a five-year period covering 2027 through 2031, inclusive. The measure is estimated to raise approximately $97,000 during its first operational year in 2027.
Because the proposal is for a 0.25-mill decrease in the expiring millage, this is legally designated as a replacement millage request rather than a standard renewal request. Village Manager Ian Lewis explained that broadening the funds to cover equipment repair and maintenance rather than just new purchases requires treating the measure as a new proposal.
Lewis said the language was changed in order to reduce the amount of the existing millage while at the same time expanding its capabilities beyond just purchasing vehicles and equipment.
"Sometimes we just need help repairing the newer items that we got," he said. "So we included, in addition to purchasing and upgrades, two additional words: repairing and maintenance of vehicles as well," adding that residents will receive broader equipment coverage for less tax money.
"It’s kind of unusual," said Lewis, "but I’m kind of a big believer of if you’re doing well, then you start reducing. If you’re struggling, then you ask for help. That's how government is supposed to work."
The finalized ballot language asks voters to approve a levy of up to 2.25 mills, representing $2.25 per $1,000 of taxable value, over the five-year duration to fund DPW equipment acquisitions and ongoing maintenance expenses. This equipment adjustment follows an earlier 1.00-mill decrease previously approved by the council for the village fire apparatus millage.
According to the official ballot language:
"The village of Laurium proposes to replace a prior approved, expiring Department of Public Works equipment millage levy of 2.50 mills ($2.50 per $1,000 of state taxable value) for the years 2022 through 2026.
Shall the village of Laurium levy a new, additional millage of up to 2.25 mills ($2.25 per $1,000 taxable value) for a period of five years (2027 through 2031) for the purpose of purchasing, upgrading, repairing, and maintaining Department of Public Works equipment and other DPW work expenses which is estimated at $97,000 in the first year of the levy, and shall the village be authorized to levy said millage?"