Plymouth voters rejected the requested charter amendment to allow a new 1.75 mill tax to fund new recreation opportunities in the city. No votes totaled 1,368 while yes votes were 1,302.
The new tax would have been effect for 12 years and was expected to generate an estimated $1.3 million annually for recreational expenses in the community through 2035. The new millage would have cost homeowners about $1.75 for every $1,000 of market value of their property. Homes with a $300,000 market value would have seen an increase of approximately $260 on their tax bills.
The question on the ballot asked for an amendment to the city charter and required that all funding generated by the millage be dedicated to recreation and park expenses in the city. The new tax would have been effective only on city residents.
Members of the Plymouth City Commission approved the ballot question by a unanimous vote in July. Officials said residents had consistently ranked parks and recreational facilities as a priority for the community during the preparation of a new recreation master plan during the past five years. They added that while the demand has grown, facilities like soccer and athletic fields have decreased eliminating some youth sports recreation programs.
Approval of the charter amendment would have allowed for the acquisition of new property to provide recreational opportunities and fund the improvement and maintenance of the current facilities, officials said.
Voters also chose four new members of the city commission. Kelly O’Donnell garnered 1,533 vote; Brock Minton received 1,421 votes; Linda Filipczak received 1,336 votes and Suzi Deal received 1,324 votes.
As the top four vote getters they will serve 4-year terms on the city commission.
Candidate Ron Picard received 1,075 votes, Joshua Rimatski received 835 votes and Catherine Coburn garnered 829 votes.
Commissioners in Plymouth are paid $20 per meeting.
