Task force for road-dedicated millage proposed

The formation of a task force, whose members would attempt to raise public support for a millage request to improve county roads, was proposed last week.
During their quarterly St. Joseph County Township Supervisors meeting, members talked at length about the two-question ballot measure road commission officials posed to county voters in August. The requests sought a 1-mill renewal and a 2-mill increase.
The renewal passed soundly, while the request for additional funds dedicated to road repairs and maintenance was turned down by a margin of 56 percent opposed to 44 percent in favor.
Road commission board chairman John Bippus said it was clear not enough time was devoted to the issue. He said the question was rushed to the ballot.
White Pigeon Township Supervisor and event moderator Don Gloy asked about the formation of a coalition to support the idea of another increase request for a road-dedicated millage.
Bippus said the said the next step will be the formation of a task force to iron out details about a future request, including rate, length of time, ballot language, when the request should appear before voters and a plan to promote the request.