The Suttons Bay-Bingham Fire and Rescue Authority will have a little more money after voters approved a two-year tax for fire and EMS service.
The 0.8-mill increase is in addition to the 2.3 mills property owners now pay. Both millages will expire in 2020, when the millage amount will be reevaluated based on the needs of the department.
Fire Chief Jim Porter has said the increase was needed to cover a shortfall that resulted from a math error and incorrect ballot language in the 2016 millage renewal. The department has two stations in Suttons Bay and Bingham Township, with the Suttons Bay station staffed around the clock.
The Suttons Bay Village Council will see a newcomer in Kent Newcomb, who has never held public office. Four people were vying for three seats. Two incumbents will keep their seats, including Karl Bahle, who has been on the council for 30 years, and Kathleen Egan, who was appointed in July 2017.