GRAND HAVEN TWP. — A crucial funding source for senior services in northern Ottawa County will face a critical vote May 6, as Grand Haven Township residents decide on renewing a dedicated property tax.

The ballot measure asks voters to extend the North Ottawa County Council on Aging millage at a rate of 0.25 mills. This means homeowners would pay 25 cents for every $1,000 of their property's taxable value for the next four years.

Township officials estimate the renewal would generate about $275,000 in 2025. This amount is needed to help fund operations at the Four Pointes Center for Successful Aging in Grand Haven. Based on the average home price in Grand Haven Township, the cost would be $40 a year per household.

If the measure fails, the millage rate would automatically drop to 0.245 mills. This could significantly impact the center’s funding, especially with recent federal cuts to nonprofit organizations and grant funding, which supplement millage funds.

Kim Kroll, executive director of Four Pointes, which is located in Grand Haven, said the center heavily relies on these local tax dollars, with millages accounting for roughly 80% of its budget.

“There is a lot of uncertainty with grant availability on the federal level right now, so the millage funding is more important than ever to continue the services we provide,” Kroll said.

The center, serving people 60 and older, offers various services, including fitness and educational programs, in-home care support and transportation assistance. Seniors also participate in several clubs and groups through the center and occasionally hear from guest lecturers from the Tri-Cities Museum, Kroll said.

Kroll emphasized the importance of the Grand Haven Township millage, noting that similar measures were recently approved in neighboring communities such as Grand Haven, Ferrysburg and Spring Lake Township. Four Pointes also receives millage support from Polkton Charter Township and the Village of Spring Lake.

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“All the millages are very important to us. We are so grateful for them,” Kroll said. “We couldn’t do everything we do for the seniors in our community without the millage funding.”

The center's services extend beyond wellness programs, offering assistance with meal preparation, Medicaid navigation and free transit passes for low-income seniors. A durable medical equipment loan program is also available.

Ottawa County residents can register to vote or locate their polling place through the Michigan Voter Information Center online.

— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.