Benzie County residents could see a new millage proposal on their November ballots after Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved a millage proposal that would expand its tax base into Benzie County.
Northwestern’s current tax base extends solely through Grand Traverse County, but if passed, it would increase the Benzie county’s tax rate by 2.0574.
Under the proposal, homeowners would see a $2.06 increase for every $1,000 of taxable property value.
Laura Oblinger, the board of trustees chairperson, said the board was approached around six months ago by Benzie County residents about expanding into their region.
She said the proposal would benefit the county’s students by cutting their tuition in half. It would also make students eligible for state funding to reduce costs.
"There are 6,500 people in Benzie County alone that would be applicable for Michigan's reconnect program for free, truly free Community College," she said.
Oblinger said she’s heard mixed reactions from the community regarding the proposal.
“We have heard that nobody loves an increased tax. What many of who are hearing from love is the idea of investing in their own resident, which they know will in turn better the county."
If voters pass the millage, Oblinger said the tax rate would go into effect immediately.
