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MANISTIQUE -- Schoolcraft County voters weighed in on a number of issues this week during Tuesday's general election, ranging from local representation to the future of ambulance service in the county.
SCHOOLCRAFT COUNTY AMBULANCE MILLAGE
Residents in Schoolcraft County approved levying 2.25 mills ($2.25 per $1,000 of taxable value) for five years, 2023 through 2027, to provide funds for ambulance services throughout the county.
The millage will raise an estimated $955,592 when first levied in 2023 and will allow residents to keep the emergency medical services (EMS) based in Manistique that currently serves the county.
The millage was overwhelmingly approved by voters, who voted 1,888 (84%) to 350 (16%) to levy the millage.
The request came after it was determined the city of Manisitque did not have enough revenue to offset the expenses related to ambulance service and also meet the requirements of a deficit elimination plan required by the state.
The funds could be used for EMT and paramedic wages and benefits, fuel, new ambulances, on-board equipment and related necessities.
MANISTIQUE
CITY COUNCIL
Manistique residents voted to reelected two incumbents and one new face to the city council.
Elected to serve the city for the next four years were Jan Ecclesine, who received 441 votes (47%), Kimberly Shiner, who received 364 votes (39%), and newcomer Irma Gonzalez-Hider, who ran as a write-in and received 157 votes (17%). Challenger Isaac Swisher, whose name was listed on the ballot, failed to secure a seat, receiving 132 votes (14%).
DOYLE TOWNSHIP
Residents in Doyle Township approved renewing a 1 mill ($1 per $1,000 of taxable value) millage that will be used for the sole purpose of the rehabilitation, restoration and resurfacing of existing paved and gravel roads within the township's borders. The millage will be levied for a period of five years, 2023 through 2027, inclusive, and raise an estimate $48,413 in the first year levied.