Tax Limitation Advisory Committee - August 5, 2026

The Benzie County Tax Limitation Advisory Committee met on August 5, 2026, to discuss the recent millage vote results and potential next steps for county and township tax levies. The committee reviewed feedback indicating voter confusion over ballot language and a lack of clear communication about how additional millage funds would be used. They considered options for a November millage proposal, including separating special millages for animal control and drug enforcement and recommending a general millage reset to 3.77 mills for the county, one mill for all townships, and 0.18 mills for the ISD, with a two-year term expiring in December 2028. The committee voted to recommend this proposal to the Board of Commissioners. Public comments emphasized the need for clearer communication to voters about the consequences of millage failure and suggested reconsidering the indefinite millage rollback provision. The meeting highlighted challenges in coordinating township involvement and legal uncertainties regarding millage allocations.