What should Leelanau Township do with a proposed local road millage?

Township of Leelanau, Leelanau County, Michigan Transportation Tax Policy

Leelanau Township held a May 7, 2026 special meeting that included local road millage ballot language, along with audit and contract items. The township also scheduled a May 17 special meeting for possible action on resolutions regarding election dates for 2026 township millage ballot proposals. The public question is not just whether roads need repair, but whether voters should be asked to approve a broad tax, a narrower tax, or a more detailed plan such as a public project list before any ballot proposal moves forward. Roads do not fix themselves, but a ballot proposal should tell taxpayers what they are buying and how success will be measured.

Overall results

1

63% support · excluded by 4%

7

Voters can make a better decision when the ballot is tied to priorities, timelines, and expected matching funds.

7

A smaller millage tied to named road segments is easier to trust than a broad request with vague promises.

2

48% support · excluded by 4%

7

A millage proposal should not be rushed because election timing is convenient. Publish the numbers first.

7

People might vote yes if they see the plan. Asking before the details are clear makes voters suspicious.

3

45% support · excluded by 5%

7

Property taxes add up. The township should exhaust current budgets, county coordination, and grants before asking for more.

6

Once a tax is approved, it rarely feels temporary. Road needs should not become an automatic new tax stream.

4

43% support · excluded by 9%

3

Everyone knows the roads need work. Waiting for the perfect plan just means higher costs and worse roads later.

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