Michigan Community to vote on a Milage renewal on August 4 Primary

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- Michiganders will vote to renew a proposal that has existed since 1997 on August 4.

The proposal concerns funding for the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport’s millage.

Millage is a rate of taxation; the current tax rate expires this year.

The proposed tax rate would be good for 10 more years.

If approved, the money would go towards “planning, promoting, acquiring, constructing, improving, enlarging, extending, owning, maintaining, and operating the necessary landing, navigational and building facilities for the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport.”

Although the airport does not do any commercial traveling, the all-weather airport helps with lifeline flights, coast guard refueling, and educates young people about the air force.

The airport also serves as a shelter for any pilot or individual experiencing bad weather.

Airport director, Chris Beckham, says he hopes the public approves the proposal because the airport is essential to the local economy.

“In the region in this small area, it plays a big role economically.” Beckham said. “A lot of business developers, real estate agents or anyone that comes in to do business; they come here. They come in on these planes and then they go into these cities to help develop these projects or build businesses here or to meet with local business leaders or politicians; anyone. So, this is still a vital economic engine that we don't want to lose out on.”

The proposal would cost taxpayers in Benton Charter Township, Lincoln Charter Township and Royalton Charter Township $10 a year or less. For those in St. Joseph Charter or the city of St. Joseph it ranges between $24 to $30.