The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering how to go about seeking a renewal of some key countywide millages this year.
At Thursday’s meeting, commissioners were told a committee set up to study the public safety millage, the 911 millage, and the senior services millage recommended keeping the rates the same and seeking a six-year renewal rather than the usual four.
Commissioner Jim Curran said it’s expected increases for the police and 911 millages will be needed soon, but this year isn’t a good time to seek it. The thought was an increase could be sought in a couple of years.
“We anticipate probably having to raise that millage within that six-year period,” Curran said. “So, getting it off of that rotation and like the chair said, being able to revisit that within the first two years and possibly going for an increase was a better way to go in the climate right now than asking for an increase now.”
Some commissioners said they were more comfortable seeking a four-year renewal. However, the majority liked the six-year idea with a possible revisit in two years.
Chair Mac Elliott said a resolution will be coming next week to seek a four-year renewal for the senior millage and six-year renewal for the 911 and public safety millages in the August election.
