HOWELL — The Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority has succeeded in securing its current funding model and it will be back on the ballot in November.
On Monday, Aug. 26, Howell City Council voted unanimously to continue services with HAPRA so the organization can have another opportunity to get its funding passed. Councilmember Jan Lobur was absent.
In an email to The Daily, HAPRA Executive Director Tim Church confirmed that the resolution passed in Howell, Oceola and Marion townships as well. It will be up for approval in Genoa Township at the Sept. 16 meeting of the township board.
HAPRA’s articles of incorporation state that, 90 days after a failed millage proposal, two-thirds of participating municipalities must vote to continue the authority, or else it will dissolve.
“Howell Recreation has secured the 2/3 votes needed to continue with our current funding model,” Church wrote to The Daily. “However, we are hopeful that all five municipalities will continue to support us as we move forward.”
On the August ballot, HAPRA proposed a millage that represented about 21 cents per day per household. It would have generated about $1.5 million over five years, to go towards improving and maintaining recreation programming, facilities and amenities in the area.
More: Howell Area Parks and Rec could dissolve over failed millage: What we know
While most millages need a simple majority to pass, Michigan’s Recreational Authorities Act requires that a proposed tax for parks and rec authorities be passed in all participating municipalities. The millage passed in Howell, as well as Genoa Township, Howell Township and Oceola Township. But in Marion Township, the millage failed by less than 200 votes.
The same proposal will appear on the ballot for the Nov. 5 general election. With the funding, HAPRA would be able to reduce fees by about 15% for residents and offer free membership for residents 75 and older to the Oceola Community Center at 1661 N. Latson Road.
Church said the millage would encourage the addition of adaptive sports leagues, inclusive fitness classes, sensory-friendly events, and new skill-building and hobby programs — plus upgrades to tennis courts at the Bennett Center and the Page Athletic Field Track.
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“The failure of the millage presents a critical juncture for our community,” Church wrote in a letter to council after the primary. “Howell Recreation has been an essential part of our community, providing diverse and inclusive programs that foster community engagement, promote health and wellness, and enhance the overall quality of life for our residents. The impact of disbanding this organization would be profoundly felt by all.”
Howell Recreation, notably, helps plan Melon Fest, an annual event that brings thousands to downtown Howell.
— Contact reporter Tess Ware at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Howell parks and rec funding will be back on the ballot in November
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
