CHARLOTTE, Mich. —
Eaton County voters approved every millage on this week’s primary ballot, a result county officials say helps bring financial stability after years of failed proposals and service cuts.
WATCH: Eaton County millages pass
Nearly 63% of voters approved the juvenile detention millage, while more than 68% backed the 9-1-1 dispatch millage. Both proposals renewed existing millages that have funded those services for decades.
The approvals mark a significant shift from recent elections. A public safety millage failed at the ballot box last year, and a similar proposal failed in 2024.
“We saw historic cuts last year. Services were cut, positions were cut. We can’t sustain that model every year where we’re just cutting and cutting,” said Logan Bailey, Eaton County public and governmental affairs director.
Bailey said the stakes were clear heading into this election.
“It’s not lost on us that those very well may not have passed and what that would’ve meant for Eaton County in terms of our operations and services,” Bailey said.
County officials said they focused on voter education in the months leading up to the election.
“We tried to think about the millages separately. You know, this was really something that we focused in on the last couple of months, really educating the community about the services that we already provide,” said Amanda Pollard, Eaton County probate judge.
Pollard said she was relieved by the outcome.
“I was really grateful that the Eaton County residents decided this is something they wanted to continue to support,” Pollard said.
The juvenile justice millage is set at 0.35 mills, which the county says will cost the median homeowner approximately $40 per year. The 9-1-1 millage is larger, costing the median homeowner approximately $109 annually.
“We’re so grateful that these millages passed. What that means for the future is we are more stable,” Bailey said.
County officials said long-term financial stability remains their top priority.
Want more FOX 47 News? Here's how you download our Roku app
You can also see the latest news from across our mid-Michigan neighborhoods by liking us on Facebook or following us on X.
