ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Tuesday, Escanaba voters had two decisions to make concerning local leaders and City funds.
The major issue on the ballot was a proposal that would have changed the way certain funding is utilized. Since 1965, gas utility proceeds have been restricted to capital improvements. The measure proposed instead using those proceeds to reduce unfunded pension liabilities.
“Our goal was really just to try and protect these funds from inflation and put them to a higher use to kind of reduce the burden on future taxpayers and ratepayers,” explained City Manager Jim McNeil. “Over 30 to 40 years, this was a multimillion-dollar opportunity. It really made a lot of financial sense, and we’ve been proactive in recent years with management of our pension.”
The proposal received more support than opposition, with 50.93% of voters selecting ‘yes’ on their ballots. However, that was not enough to push the measure through.
“Certainly, there was a simple majority, but we did need a 3/5ths vote for the proposal to pass,” McNeil said. “Since it didn’t pass, the funds will remain where they are. Our goal is, within the next decade, to get those fully funded. This would have accelerated our timeline a bit.”
Escanaba also voted for three City Council seats. With no opposing candidates, sitting members Mark Ammel, Ronald Beauchamp, and Todd Flath will remain on the board.
“[It’s], I think, a really good sign for a lot of the infrastructure development and economic development that we’re seeing within the community to kind of keep this group of individuals together who have done a really good job,” said McNeil. “That was encouraging to see.”
Escanaba and Gladstone were the only cities in Delta County to hold November elections this year. The county reported a voter turnout of 17%.
“Every election’s important, whether it’s a little proposal or your local leaders,” McNeil said. “Every vote certainly counts, and we certainly saw how close we were here, and turnout is incredibly important.”
For full Delta County election results, click here.
