Police, parks, school upgrades on Hamburg Twp. ballot

Valerie Olander / The Detroit News

Hamburg Township --Voters in this southern Livingston community will have multiple ballot issues to consider Tuesday, including a tax hike to sustain police services, a first-time increase for parks and a $59.5 million bond to fund technology and building upgrades in Pinckney Community Schools.

As officials say declining property values and reductions in state revenue have taken tolls on township and school funds, some voters say the poor economy will cause them to be selective this year when considering tax issues.

"Police and schools are on the top of my list. I'm definitely going to look at choosing the right one for long-term (value). I'm going to be thinking of my children and grandchildren," said Linda Lown, 56, of Hamburg Township.

The police tax hike would cost the average homeowner living in a $200,000 house about $150 annually. The 1.5 mills would keep the 12-officer department running as is, Chief Steve Luciano said.

Three police jobs are vacant, and two more could be cut if the millage does not pass, he said.

The current 1 mill tax for police is set to expire next year and would be replaced by the 1.5 mills for 10 years.

Laura Tessmer, owner of the Stonehouse Cafe, said police service is at the top of her priority list. She plans to look into the school and parks issues further before making a decision.

The .25 mill for the operations and maintenance of parks, Lakeland Trail and the senior/community center would be a 10-year tax costing an average homeowner about $25 annually and raise nearly $250,000 each year for the township. Currently, the township pays about $80,000 out of its general fund. Approval of the $59.5 million school bond would not increase taxes but extend the Pinckney school district's levy for 10 years or until 2027. Voters will also consider an 18-mill tax renewal for non-homestead properties, such as second homes and businesses.

Pinckney Schools' current levy is 7.55 mills, about $755 annually, through 2017 as the district pays off a previously approved bond for the 1999 construction of the high school and an elementary building.

"The advantage is we're not asking for more money. Even if people feel this isn't the right time and we wait three years from now, we're still going to be extending it out 10 years," Superintendent Dan Danosky said.

Hamburg voters will also consider a recall election against the one-year township clerk who has been accused of mismanagement.

In other areas of Livingston County, six candidates are vying for four seats on the Brighton City Council, and four others are squaring off for three Howell City Council seats. Two school board elections are also being held. Seven are seeking two seats on Brighton Area Schools Board of Education, and in Pinckney two are running uncontested for two seats.

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