'Little Blue Bus' millage won't seek tax increase

By RALPH ANSAMI

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Bessemer — When Gogebic County residents go to the polls on Aug. 2 to cast ballots on funding the county transit system, they’ll be voting on a four-year millage renewal.

Although the ballot question as first specifies an increase in taxes, the same rate will be sought that has been in effect from 1985 through 2016 — one-third of a mill.

Gogebic County Transit Director Jim Mildren appeared before the county board last week to discuss the millage vote. He noted more than two-thirds of the bus rides go to senior citizens and the handicapped.

Mildren noted the bus service, often referred to as “the Little Blue Bus,” has been operating since 1981. Half of the funding comes from state and federal sources, with the millage covering the local share of the costs.

Mildren expressed confidence that the millage will be renewed, citing votes of approval in the past of more than 70 percent.

He said the GCT has recently been working with Aspirus Grand View Hospital to accommodate riders during the expansion project there. He said the hospital hired a parking attendant to assist during the project.

Mildren said a committee has been formed to work toward passage of the GCT millage. Susan Hocking chairs the committee, with Valerie Swanberg acting as treasurer and Rita Oman secretary.

After the discussion, the county board authorized county clerk Gerry Pelissero and prosecutor Nick Jacobs to certify the ballot language, seeking a 2017-’20 renewal of the one-third mill, which means 33 cents on $1,000 of state taxable valuation.