Millage for Veterans Services Gets Initial OK

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At its Sept. 7, 2011 meeting, the Washtenaw County board of commissioners gave initial approval to levy 0.025 mills in December 2011 to pay for services for indigent veterans. A final vote will be taken at the board’s Sept. 21 meeting.

The millage would cost homeowners about $2.50 for every $100,000 of a home’s taxable value. It’s expected to raise $344,486 – about $11,000 less than in 2010, due to projected decreases of property values. The county first began levying this millage in 2008. Because the Veterans Relief Fund Act predates the state’s Headlee Amendment, it can be approved by the board without a voter referendum. Services are administered through the county’s department of veterans affairs.

One person – Thomas Partridge – spoke at a public hearing on the millage held at the board’s meeting. He was supportive of the tax.

This brief was filed from the boardroom of the county administration building at 220 N. Main in Ann Arbor. A more detailed report will follow: [link]