Analysis
In this article readers would learn what both proposed millages would mean in terms of cost and function. There are people from both sides of this issue cited, but no residents from Barry County are sourced in this story. Why would the GR Press run a story if it only impacts a small sector of their readership?
Article Text
BARRY COUNTY — County voters on Aug. 8 will decide the fate of two parks and recreation millages to pay for basic maintenance and some improvements.
The first is a 10-year renewal for maintenance and operation of the 330-acre Charlton Park in Hastings Township. The 0.25 mill would raise about $4.7 million over the next decade.
It would cost $25 per year for the owner of a home with a taxable value of $100,000, said Karen Scarbrough, director of the Barry County Equalization Department.
The county also is seeking a 0.25 mill tax to operate, expand and improve the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail Linear Park and other county parks.
Barry County Commissioner Michael Callton supports the millage renewal, but opposes the new proposed millage.
The county already is laden with five dedicated millages, Callton said. Residents are telling him they can’t afford another one.
“I personally think it’s ludicrous,” Callton said.
“I don’t think it’s a good time to ask the public to double the (parks and recreation) budget. Michigan is manufacturing-based,” he said. “Barry County is worse, because we’re not that diversified. We’re first in a recession and last out of it. I just think it’s in poor taste.”
Tim Weingartz, chairman of the Barry County Parks and Recreation Commission, said the new millage would make county parks an economic draw.
With a new revenue stream, parks officials would possess the financial muscle to build a countywide parks system that would serve all ages and draw visitors from outlying areas, Weingartz said.
“Parks and rec has a trickle-down effect with the whole economy,” he said. “Without it, we’re just behind everything else.”
If approved, the proposed millage also would raise an estimated $4.7 million over the next 10 years and cost $25 annually for the owner of a home with a taxable value of $100,000.
If approved, the new millage would purchase property for new parks, trails and recreational facilities, as well as operate new and existing county recreation programs, facilities and equipment.
“We need that second millage to help villages and townships countywide to provide parks and rec services,” Weingartz said. “We really need to have a pool of money to move forward. We can’t do it on donor money at this point.”
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