Voters will enter ballot boxes in Houghton County soon. The August 5th election will carry a lot of weight with it, behind four millage considerations. Each entity requesting voters to consider a specific project or service has worked over the spring to provide information to the community.
What’s valuable, what’s not valuable, what’s needed, what’s not needed. And all four of them are serious concerns. All four of them are gonna take some detailed research and thought into them. And it could draw a rough situation for anybody, any of the four. – Roy Britz, Vice Chair, Houghton County Board of Commissioners
Houghton County Commission Vice Chair Roy Britz says county leaders, and others, such as the CCISD and Copper Shores, are concerned that voter fatigue could impact the August election. He adds that making sure voters have ample opportunity to learn about each request has been a high priority across the ballot.
I think it’s extremely important to research what you’re doing. You’re making educated decisions, especially when it comes to your pocketbook. So you can make an educated decision on what you’re going to vote for. If you’re going to vote for any of them. They’re all out there. The county on the website, the League of Women Voters, is helping us. And any one of the commissioners is available to talk about in your district. But I would really encourage anybody to, everybody to go out, research it, have an educated decision, and what you decide to do. – Roy Britz, Vice Chair, Houghton County Board of Commissioners
During July, Copper Shores plans to travel around the county to communities and share a presentation on the Meals on Wheels program. CCISD and Houghton County also share details on each project and construction bond online. Britz adds engaging with the people that work within these programs, and facilities each day offers first-hand accounts of how a millage could improve conditions around the region. Such as tours of the jail facility.
I would like to see people want to come out and see a little more and ask questions. Because you have to educate yourself. It’s not just spending dollars on something that the public doesn’t see as a need. You don’t see a need until you’re involved or a family member is involved in it. And that’s the harsh thing about it. But it’s time for it. And it’s not going to get any cheaper. – Roy Britz, Vice Chair, Houghton County Board of Commissioners
The Canal View renewal will levy the full millage amount at 2.25 mills. CCISD officials report the bond millage will average out to 1 mill over its 25 years. The CCISD construction bond millage rate would start at 1.15 mills. Copper Shores requests 1 mill to support Meals on Wheels. This could cover all expenses and allow the foundation to add its commitments to the program as additional funding. Houghton County will seek to build a new jailhouse using a 1.6 millage to pay off a $32 million construction bond. The county has sought a construction millage three other times and failed to receive enough support.
Those interested in learning more about the Canal View renewal, Meals on Wheels Millage, CCISD, or Houghton County Construction projects can find details below.
Copper Shores Why Meals Matter
Houghton County Jail Project calculator
Copper Country Intermediate School District Construction Millage
