SPRING LAKE TWP, MI – Spring Lake voters approved four tax proposals for bike lanes, senior citizen activities and services, and harbor transit in the Tuesday, August 6 primary election.

There were two proposals for bike paths – a renewal of an existing tax that funds the maintenance of the municipality’s bike paths, and a new tax proposal to plan and support the construction of additional bike and walking paths.

Related: Spring Lake Township voters will vote on 4 tax proposals on August 6, including a new tax fee for bike lanes

The new mileage for cycle paths This was a tax increase that was approved by 2,950 (61.9%) votes to 1,815 (38.1%), according to the unofficial election results of the Ottawa District Council.

Voters approved 0.50 per thousand ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value) for 10 years, from 2024 to 2033, to build new bike and walking trails. The estimated revenue the township will generate this year is about $574,837.

Spring Lake Township Manager Gordon Gallagher said a typical homeowner with a taxable value of about $200,000 pays about $98 a year for a $400,000 home under the existing assessment tax. He said the new assessment tax would cost them about $100 extra a year.

The bike path renovation passed by a vote of 3,291 (70.2%) to 1,397 (29.8%), according to unofficial results from the Ottawa County Clerk’s Officer. Voters renewed the 0.49-mil tax ($0.49 per $1,000.00 of taxable value) for 10 years, from 2024 to 2033. The municipality will collect approximately $563,340 this year.

The Senior Activities and Services Tax Levy was also renewed at 0.25 per thousand ($0.25 per $1,000.00 of taxable value) for 10 years. It passed by a vote of 3,413 (73.1%) to 1,255 (26.9%). The tax levy funds programs and services for seniors in the Tri-Cities – Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg. The municipality will collect approximately $287,418 in 2025 to support services and activities.

A mileage that brings benefits Harbor Transit – the public bus system that serves the cities of Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg – received a tax of 0.6 per thousand ($0.60 per $1,000.00 of taxable value) for six years, from 2024 to 2029. If the tax is levied this year, the municipality will collect approximately $689,804.

Opened in 1975, the bus system primarily serves elderly and disabled passengers. Fares are $1.50 and $0.75 for seniors/disabled. Tax revenue funds the operation, repair, maintenance and improvement of Harbor Transit and its related facilities.

Want more news from the Muskegon area? Bookmark the local Muskegon News Page or sign up for the free “3@3 Muskegon“ daily newsletter.