To the Journal editor:

Parks and Recreation Millage

Shall the total tax rate limitation, on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property in Powell Township, Marquette County, Michigan, for the purpose of providing recreational services to the residents of Powell Township, be levied for the period of five years, from 2025 to 2029, both inclusive, per Article 9, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution at the rate of 1 mils on each $1,000 of taxable value. This proposal will raise approximately $105,000 in its first year, based upon 2023 taxable.

Did you know this was coming? It will appear on the ballot in the August primary election in Powell Township.

It appears that over the years, Powell Township has been getting grants to construct hiking trails, pocket parks and other community projects. These grants did not contain funds for maintaining all these fine amenities. They have been maintained by volunteers and donated funds. Now they are asking the residents to fund them at a rate of no less than $100,000 per year for no less than five years.

I, for one, do not think this is a good idea. How many people use the hiking trails? I have not been able to get an answer to that question. But I do drive by the parking lot for the trailhead in Big Bay almost daily and very rarely see even one car parked there. Since the pocket parks were put in, I have only seen one couple sitting on any of the benches and only once!

Sure, our Draver Park and ball field could use a few upgrades but then I’d like to be driving a brand new car, too. I think we can all make do with what we have.

I suggest that if you don’t want this added tax, you get out to the polls on Aug. 6 and vote no on this millage proposal.