Emmett Township may have crumbling roads, in some cases, but it is not enough for voters to pass a roads tax to fix them.

In fact, they have said so twice. Once in the August primaries of 2016, then again in the general election a week ago. It's an interesting statement, considering how we have been told repeatedly smooth roads are the number one priority of Michigan voters.

Emmett Township Supervisor Tim Hill tells WBCK the measure was floated a second time on the November ballot because, after it failed in the August primary, he heard from a contingent of residents who were unaware of the issue. This, in spite of informational sessions and a public outreach the township undertook.

Nevertheless, voters still sunk the proposal in November.

In July, 2016, Hill told WBCK the proposal, would have cost the average homeowner about $151 per year for a home with a value of about $112,000, the average home value in the township. Calhoun County would have matched 30 percent of the expenditure, putting $11.2 million of the burden on the township and $4.8 million on the county.

So, now what?

Hill said he has already discussed the issue with Rep. Dr. John Bizon (R-Battle Creek) and Rep. Dave Maturen (R-Brady Township), and they have initially encouraged the township to speak up in Lansing. Hill's goal would be to develop a coalition of local townships to lobby Lansing for inclusion on the Michigan Department of Transportation Act 51, which articulates how road funding is allocated. Currently, townships are not part of that allocation.

Click the player below to hear more from Supervisor Hill on the roads issue in Emmett Township.

Hear The Richard Piet Show weekday mornings from 5:30-9 on WBCK.

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