White Lake area voters made several decisions Tuesday that will shape local government, emergency services, and political representation in the years ahead.
Across the region, voters selected Democratic and Republican delegates who will represent their communities at county party conventions. They also weighed in on several local funding requests, ultimately rejecting proposals involving the White Lake Ambulance Authority, Whitehall Township operations, Whitehall Township roads, and Muskegon Community College.
While delegate races filled much of the local ballot, the millage proposals carried the greatest long term impact, determining whether local governments and agencies would receive additional property tax revenue for future operations and improvements.
Fruitland Township voters reject White Lake Ambulance Authority millage
The most closely watched local proposal in the White Lake area came in Fruitland Township, where voters considered a millage request from the White Lake Ambulance Authority.
The proposal sought authorization to levy up to 1.9 mills for 20 years to support the authority’s operating expenses. If approved, it was estimated to generate approximately $793,319 during its first year.
Voters rejected the proposal by a vote of 1,230 to 746, with 62.25 percent voting no.
Following Tuesday’s election, the White Lake Ambulance Authority thanked residents who supported the proposal and said it respects the outcome of the election.
The authority also reassured residents that its commitment to providing emergency medical care remains unchanged. While Fruitland Township will no longer be part of its primary service area, the authority said its crews will continue responding to emergencies in the township through the mutual aid system when requested, working alongside neighboring EMS providers.
“Our commitment to providing compassionate, professional, and dependable emergency care remains as strong as ever,” the authority said in a statement released Wednesday.
Whitehall Township voters turn down two funding requests
Whitehall Township voters also rejected two separate millage proposals.
A proposal to increase the township operating millage by up to 2 mills for 20 years failed by a vote of 344 to 142, with nearly 71 percent of voters opposing the measure.
Voters also declined a proposal to increase taxes by up to 1.5 mills for 10 years to maintain, repair, and improve public roads. That proposal failed 274 to 217, with 55.8 percent voting no.
The results mean township officials will not receive the additional property tax revenue requested through either proposal.
Muskegon Community College restoration proposal fails countywide
Voters across the Muskegon Community College District also considered a proposal to restore 0.2980 mills to the college’s operating millage for the next 30 years.
According to unofficial countywide results, the proposal was defeated with 19,224 votes against the measure and 18,147 votes in favor.
If approved, the additional revenue would have supported facility improvements, infrastructure upgrades, safety enhancements, and academic programs throughout the college district.
Local voters choose county convention delegates
In addition to deciding local funding questions, voters selected delegates who will represent their communities at county party conventions.
City of Montague
Democratic delegates elected were Cindy L. Degen, Bruce E. Froelich, Margaret E. Haynes, Kenneth Mahoney, Kathy G. Pelleran Mahoney, and Susan M. VanSlyke.
Republican delegates elected were Neal Alan Barncard, Isaac Falk, and Elizabeth T. LeVasseur.
City of Whitehall
Democratic delegates elected were Frank Hollister, Mary Koenen, Joan Scott, and Ruth A. Skinner.
Republican delegates elected were Daniel Hardy and Kimela K. Hardy.
Whitehall Township
Republican voters elected James B. Bolger as a county convention delegate.
Rhonda L. Boyd was also elected to complete the partial term as Whitehall Township treasurer.
White River Township
Democratic delegates elected were Tracy Dobson, Troy Elliott, Kimberley A. Franke, Judy Hayes, Matt Hayes, Oscar Kent, and James Q. Rose.
Republican delegates elected were Holly Hughes and Rick Hughes.
Montague Township
Democratic delegates elected were Julie L. Essenberg and Patricia A. Kelly.
Fruitland Township
Democratic delegates from Precinct 1 were Stephanie Barrett, Jeff Beegle, Gary E. Greiner, Laura Hollister, Melanie C. Schaafsma, Wietse Schaafsma, M. Kay Williams, Shelley V. Williams, and Thomas H. Williams.
Democratic delegates from Precinct 2 were Debra Gianetti, Tyler Robert Grove, and Steve Serkaian.
Republican delegates from Precinct 1 were Sondra Cross, Timothy Cross, Scott W. Erdman, and Karolyn Rillema.
Republican delegates from Precinct 2 were Brent Brower, Melissa Brower, and Alene J. Miller.
Looking ahead
Tuesday’s election determined more than who will represent local political parties at county conventions. It also established how several White Lake area communities will move forward on funding priorities.
The defeat of the White Lake Ambulance Authority proposal means Fruitland Township will not provide the requested operating millage, while Whitehall Township voters declined to increase taxes for township operations and road improvements. Countywide, voters also chose not to restore Muskegon Community College’s operating millage.
Although the election closed the door on those proposals, it also begins the next conversation for local leaders as they consider how to address future funding needs while continuing to serve their communities.
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