To the Editor,

As voters in Houghton County are asked to approve a new 1-mill property tax for the Copper Shores Meals on Wheels program, we must ask ourselves a critical question: is

this millage truly necessary, or is it a matter of convenience for a foundation with vast resources? I have serious doubts.

Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is sitting on an endowment of nearly $80 million. Their own investment policy aims for an 8% annual return, a rate that would generate millions in income each year. Yet, their spending policy appears to prioritize the aggressive growth of this endowment over the immediate, pressing needs of our community. The board has the full authority to increase its spending to cover the Meals on Wheels program shortfall. The fact that they choose not to, and instead ask taxpayers to foot the bill, is a choice that demands scrutiny.

This choice is especially concerning given the current housing affordability crisis. A new property tax, no matter how small it seems, is a direct financial burden on families and seniors on fixed incomes. It is a direct contradiction of the foundation’s mission to promote a “healthful community” when their actions could increase the financial instability that leads to poor health outcomes.

Furthermore, where is the aggressive, high-level fundraising? We see no evidence of a major capital campaign or a serious effort to secure large-scale corporate sponsorships, common practices for well-endowed foundations. Instead of leveraging the significant influence and personal capacity of its powerful board of directors–comprised of business owners and community leaders–the foundation has chosen the easier path of a public tax.

Before we are asked to sacrifice more from our own pockets, the community deserves transparency. We need to see a good-faith effort from Copper Shores to exhaust all

other options. This includes utilizing a greater portion of their investment returns, launching a serious private fundraising campaign led by their own board, and proving

that this millage is a last resort, not a first option.

Until then, I urge my fellow residents to vote NO on this unnecessary tax. Let’s send a clear message that while we all support feeding our seniors, we expect the wealthiest and most powerful institutions in our community to do their part first.

Sincerely,

Roy Manninen

Franklin Township