To the editor:
I have listened to many county residents with issues about the condition and safety of our county roads. Our shared roads are probably the most common concern I hear from constituents. I have also listened to Brendan Mullane’s annual report to the townships and county boards about their challenges to keep our roads well maintained and safe. The county Board of Commissioners just approved the .5 mill Roads and Highways Maintenance and Repair Millage Renewal to be placed on the August ballot.
This millage has been approved by Leelanau County voters every 2 years since 1986. This .5 mill levied will raise an estimated $1.8 million per year.
Sounds good, but Mr. Mullane also shared that presently road construction dollars in 2024 cover only 65% of the road construction costs that 2020 fund dollars covered. Everything is more expensive, including maintaining and repairing our county roads. If we want our roads to match the beauty and quality of the surrounding landscape, we need to work together - state, county, townships, the road commission and residents to find a solution.
Special Assessment Districts, like the one in the Chalet Subdivison of Centerville Township where I reside, offered a solution that worked for me and my neighbors. Residents paid 25% of the cost over a three year period while the township paid 25% and the Road Commission 50%. Times are changing so let’s work together now to maintain and repair our road infrastructure while the roads are in fixable conditions.
Kama Ross Cedar
