8/7/14 - Ballot language for a proposed road millage was approved by the Hartland Township Board last night. The unanimous approval will put the issue before voters in the November general election. The safer roads and pathways plan was created by a citizensâ task force after several meetings with the public to determine what the priorities are for local road maintenance and how to accomplish those goals. Central to that plan is a 1.5-mill increase to pay for the road work, which officials say the state will not do and the county cannot afford. If voters approve the road millage in November, they would see the cost appear on their December tax bills. The plan put forward by the township board is identical to the one discussed by residents at a public hearing July 22nd. After hearing the questions and suggestions of residents at that meeting, the task force felt confident in the plan as presented. One of the concerns brought forward by residents was the improvement of local sidewalks, which was originally part of the road improvement plan but later removed. Sidewalk improvements will instead be handled separately and paid for out of the general fund. The township board discussed that work last night as well, reviewing bids for planned sidewalk repairs and extensions in the downtown Hartland area. The estimated cost of that work is about $49,000. The project will be brought back to the township board for approval at its August 19th meeting and, if it goes through, should be completed before winter. (TD)
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