MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – On August 4, voters in Schoolcraft County supported continued funding for several public services, including local conservation efforts.
62% of voters cast their ballots in favor of a millage renewal for the Schoolcraft Conservation District. At a rate of .2132 mills, the millage accounts for approximately half of the District’s annual revenue.
“I’m feeling very excited and humbled by the amount of support from everyone that voted yesterday,” said Conservation District Manager Ashley Reitter. “I was a little surprised at how much it passed by, so that was a good feeling. It’s so encouraging to me that so many people value the natural resources here in Schoolcraft County and are supportive of us. I think it says a lot about how important natural resources and the environment are to the people of Schoolcraft County.”
The money generated by the millage supports the Conservation District’s daily operations, equipment, utilities, and staff member salaries. It also allows the District to host community events, hold native plant sales, and pursue grant funding opportunities.
“It’s what allows us to do every single thing that we do,” Reitter said. “It allows us to support any landowner in Schoolcraft County with any question you might imagine. I just got off the phone with somebody asking me about Japanese beetles! It doesn’t matter what it is. It funds the day-to-day work of the District.”
Voters also approved a millage renewal for library services, with 1,334 out of 2,008 voting in favor of the proposal. 1,595 out of 2,005 voters supported a millage renewal for the Veterans Relief Fund, which includes the full-time operation of the Veterans Service Office. The only new millage on the ballot was for the Schoolcraft County 4-H program. That proposal also passed, with 1,254 voters out of 2,013 supporting it.
