ST. JOSEPH TOWNSHIP — St. Joseph Township voters will be asked in August to renew a public safety millage.

The township board Monday voted to request a renewal of 5.982 mills for four years.

That current millage amount expires Dec. 31, 2025.

The millage supports all day-to-day operations of the township’s police department, two fire stations and use of Medic 1 Ambulance service.

A 6-mill levy was approved for public safety four years ago, and was decreased to 5.982 mills due to a Headlee rollback.

Trustee Ed Meny asked why the request is not for 6 mills – the original amount approved four years ago.

Police Chief Randy Leng said due to the current amount being 5.982 mills, that would be considered an increase. He said

asking for 6 mills would have to be put on the ballot as an increase rather than a renewal, and said, “Now is not the time to seek an increase.”

He said the police and fire departments are trying to keep their costs down in order to keep the millage as it is.

Meny said he is concerned that the 5.982 mills could be rolled back even further. Other township board members said the difference between 6 mills and the current rate is about $9,500.

If approved by voters, the millage renewal will generate just over $3.16 million the first year.

Leng said the public safety millage is the only source of funding for day-to-day operations for police and fire.

“This is important to the whole community,” he said.

After discussion, Meny joined other township board members in a unanimous vote to approve putting the renewal proposal to the voters.

The township will forward the proposal to the Berrien County Clerk’s Office to be placed on the ballot for the Aug. 6 primary election.

By JULIE SWIDWA HP Staff Writer
May 7, 2024