By Mary Drier
Staff Writer
TUSCOLA COUNTY — There were only two townships in Tuscola County that hosted elections Tuesday, and each of the single-ballot issues passed.
In Akron Township, voters were asked to renew a millage of up to 0.99940 of a mill for four years for emergency services.
The request was approved unanimously with a total of 47 “yes” votes cast with no opposing votes.
Because it is an “earmarked millage” for emergency services, the funds the millage generates can only be used for fire and ambulance services and equipment.
The millage will generate about $66,165 the first year for those services.
In Indianfields Township, voters were ask to make a decision regarding the retirement system for employees.
That ballot issue asked, that the township be able to withdraw from participating in the Michigan Employees’ Retirement Act, being 1984 Public Act which requires the township to fund all pension liabilities.
The request was approved with 83 “yes” votes to 19 “no” votes.
The request’s approve clears the way for the township to terminate the plan and pay off the under-funded amount of the plan plus 20 percent that would assure payment to those who are vested and drawing a pension as well as those who are vested and will draw a pension later.
But, those who are not currently vested will not receive retirement benefits so the township will no longer have to make contributions.
Mary Drier is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at drier@tcadvertiser.com.