Island City Council Addresses DPW Millage

A one-mill tax levy for solid waste is under review by the Mackinac Island City Council, which, at its meeting Wednesday, January 27, directed a letter be sent to the Board of Public Works asking how it might be planning to spend the money this year. The tax has been levied since 2006 and, last April, the BPW anticipated it would end the fiscal year with $50,000 in the bank.

The fiscal year ends March 31.

At the April meeting, the city council suggested the board consider lowering the millage, although no response has been received.

Council also authorized a letter to be sent to the boat lines outlining the city's plan for a one-year franchise agreement.

In a related matter, the city council approved sending a letter to the U.S. Coast Guard in St. Ignace about the possibility of cutting a track in the ice for ferryboats as a way to extend ferry service into the winter. A copy of the letter will be sent to Congressman Bart Stupak, who the city hopes might influence a decision.

In other matters, Council voted to purchase 45 new lamppost globes for about $6,200 to finish replacing the yellowed globes on Main and Market streets.

A temporary trailer permit was approved for John Chambers to move a lift to the Donnelly house on Market Street to install a window. Mr. Chambers has purchased the home from his father, Jim.