LAPEER COUNTY — Come November, voters will decide the fate of a new Animal Control millage proposal.
Earlier this month, county commissioners approved proposed ballot language that seeks .2 mills for a period of five years from 2020 to 2024. If approved it would generate $635,749 in the first calendar year it’s collected.
The millage’s purpose would be for “providing operational funds related to the health and safety of the public through control of various animals within Lapeer County, and the care of animals housed at the Lapeer County Animal Control, as well as capital and program needs.”
A portion of the total millage revenues could be captured by the tax increment finance districts within Lapeer County.
Currently, Lapeer County’s Animal Control department offers field services four days a week and opens their shelter to the public five days a week, although due to the pandemic, appointments must be made in advance to visit the shelter.
Animal Control oversees dog licensing, cares for stray or surrendered animals and offers adoption services. The department utilizes volunteers from the community to help care for the animals, including walking dogs and socializing cats.
Dave Eady has headed up the department since early 2018.
Two-tenths of a mill is equal to 20 cents for each $1,000 of taxable value.
Recently, county commissioners approved a request to place a Veterans Affairs millage increase on the November ballot.
At their July 30 meeting, a motion failed that would have referred proposed ballot language for a road millage to their August 6 Committee of the Whole meeting.
