Village residents to have say on bus service

Mon, May 19, 2008

SPRING LAKE — Village residents will have a chance to voice their opinion on a proposed ballot proposal that would allow for continuing Harbor Transit service within village limits.

The public hearing will take place at 7 tonight at Barber School, 102 W. Exchange St.

Escalating local service costs — which jumped from about $50,000 last year to $66,000 this year — have caused Village Council members to reconsider funding the transportation service from its general fund balance.

"Expenses in recent years have risen dramatically," said Village Manager Ryan Cotton, citing a 248 percent increase. "When you're a small community, it affects other areas of the village. The best thing government does is to do things that people understand. The best way for people to understand is to put it on the ballot."

Following tonight's public hearing, the Village Council is expected to decide whether to put the issue on the Nov. 4 ballot to allow voters to decide Harbor Transit's future in the Village of Spring Lake.

The suggested ballot proposal would ask if voters are willing to pay a separate tax levy of up to 0.9898 mills for two years to continue Harbor Transit's dial-a-ride service. If the tax is approved, Spring Lake Village residents' operating millage would be reduced by 0.7471 mills. The net difference would cost the owner of a $130,000 home a little more than $1 per month ($15.60 annually) for fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

Village Council last summer dropped Harbor Transit trolley services to cut down on escalating public transportation costs.

"By putting this on the ballot we can see what they (our residents) would like to see funded," Cotton said. "Harbor Transit is an extremely valuable service to members of this community. It serves senior citizens and school children with schools of choice. This issue is here because of the desire to see if the community wants to pay for it (bus service)."

Cotton said Spring Lake Village officials have no issues regarding quality service; the only issue is cost.

"Some way to gauge public support for this increasingly costly service is warranted," Cotton wrote to council. "A public vote is suggested. Having the vote in November when the highest voter turnout occurs might be the best. This timing would also allow for a second vote if necessary. This additional lead time would be useful to find alternative should (service) cancellation be necessary in March of 2009."

Village residents in 1976 approved a similar Harbor Transit levy that expired in 1979. The vote then was 374-122 in favor of the millage and continuing bus service, according to Cotton.