Area Michigan levy requests OK'd

Funds to operate Tecumseh pool overwhelmingly approved

2/29/2012

TECUMSEH, Mich. -- A request for independent funding for a community pool that's been operated over the years by Tecumseh Public Schools coasted to victory Tuesday.

The five-year, 0.25-mill levy to raise $140,750 a year for operating expenses was approved 2,204-1,362 in unofficial results.

The pool is part of the Tecumseh Middle School complex. The school district requested separate voter support for the pool, citing the loss of state funding to education for its need to cut expenses.

In the race for the open Hillsdale City Council clerk's seat, Julie Kast was the unofficial winner with 297 votes.

Amy England garnered 209, followed by Adam L. Stockford, 144, and James R. Pruitt, 126.

The winner will replace Michelle Loren, who is serving as interim deputy clerk.

The term is for four years.

Voters in Lenawee County's Ridgeway Township approved two tax issues, according to final, unofficial results.

A new 1.82-mill tax and a 0.17-mill increase passed 145-105. That measure will raise $112,828 annually over seven years for road and bridge repairs.

The second proposal, approved 170-77, renews a 0.97-mill tax and an increase of 0.02 mill to raise $56,414 annually for five years for the fire department.

Also in Lenawee County, Seneca Township voters approved, 69-53, renewal of a 1.92 mill levy and a 0.079 mill increase, to raise $85,767 a year for four years for road repairs.

A three-year, 0.5-mill bond issue was soundly defeated, 176-115, for Camden-Frontier Schools, split between Hillsdale and Branch counties. The issue sought $170,000 over five years for technology updates.

A request to renew a 1-mill building levy for construction and repairs to the Hanover-Horton Schools appeared heading toward passage late Tuesday by a slim margin, 350-338, according to incomplete results.

Voters in Moscow and Somerset townships in Hillsdale County voted 44-74 against the measure, but most of the votes were cast in Jackson County. The issue would raise a total of $245,000 over a five-year period.