WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
St. Joseph County residents appeared to have no problem continuing to help fund the St. Joseph County Transportation Authority.
By a comfortable margin Tuesday, a request to renew one-third of a mill was approved in the county-wide vote.
As a result, the Three Rivers-based agency will continue to receive about $650,000 annually over the next four years. Consistent with renewal requests in 2014 and 2010, Tuesday’s vote was somewhat one-sided. The request passed by more than a 2-to-1 margin, with 4,550 votes in favor and 2,089 opposed.
Susan Vosmik, CTA director since just last week, said the results will help make her transition into the role more smoothly. Vosmik started working for the agency Aug. 1, replacing 10-year, now-retired Steve Yorks.
The anticipated $650,000 represents almost a third of the agency’s annual budget.
Funding through the millage helps subsidize the “My Ride” senior fare, the once-a-week trip to and from the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek, and the popular Circle Line routes in Sturgis and Three Rivers.
The owner of a house with a market value of $100,000 will continue to pay about $33 annually.
