Contested races, millages on Schoolcraft County ballots
By Noah Johnson
njohnson@dailypress.net
MANISTIQUE — Voters in Schoolcraft County will vote in a number of races and a county-wide millage proposal. Here’s what’s on the ballot:
SCHOOLCRAFT TRANSIT
AUTHORITY MILLAGE
Residents in Schoolcraft County will be asked to renew and levy annually in an amount not to exceed .5841 mills – approximately $0.58 for each $1,000 of taxable value against all property within the Schoolcraft Transit Authority limits for a period of four years, 2024 to 2027, inclusive, to provide funds for all public transportation authority purposes permitted by law.
The proposal is a renewal of the millage rate that expired in 2023.
If approved and levied in full, the millage will raise roughly $250,000 in the first calendar year. A portion of the revenue collected may be subject to capture by the Manistique Downtown Development Authority.
TAHQUAMENON AREA SCHOOLS OPERATING MILLAGE
Residents in Seney Township will be asked to renew the school operating millage of 17.8939 mills (approximately $17.89 for each $1,000 of taxable value) and also increase the millage by 0.1061 mills (approximately 10 cents for each $1,000 of taxable value) for a total of 18 mills ($18 per $1,000 of taxable value) for a period of four years, 2026 to 2029, inclusive, to provide funds for operating purposes.
The millage is a renewal of a millage that will expire with the 2025 levy and restoration of millage lost as a result of the reduction required by the “Headlee” amendment to the Michigan Constitution of 1963.
If approved and levied in 2026, the millage will raise roughly $3,930,000 in the first calendar year.
DOYLE TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR
Voters in Doyle Township will choose between incumbent Sue Hinkson (no party affiliation) and challenger James Nelson (R) for the Doyle Township Supervisor position.
HIAWATHA TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
Voters in Hiawatha Township will choose two candidates to fill the trustee positions. Candidates are incumbents Robbin J. Larson (R) and Cindy Jenerou (R) and challengers Gary Inhelder (no party affiliation) and Julie Gilroy (no party affiliation). There are two seats available.
SENEY TOWNSHIP SCHOOL BOARD
Voters in Seney will choose three candidates for the Tahquamenon Area Schools Board. Candidates are incumbent Lawrence Vincent and challengers Jeff Puckett, Amanda L. Kitzman and Colleen M. Duflo. Voters are asked to select three of the four candidates for the position.
MANISTIQUE TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
Voters in the Manistique Township will choose two candidates for the two available trustee positions. Candidates are incumbents Kenneth Fagan (D) and Sandra K. Doyle (R) and challenger Elisabeth Lakosky (R).
COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT FOUR
Voters in Manistique City District Four will choose one candidate for county commissioner. Candidates are incumbent Paul K. Walker (R) and challenger Scott Nagy (no party affiliation).