L’Anse Village, Township, Near Revised Fire Agreement

The Village of L’Anse and L’Anse Township are nearing completion of a revised formula for distribution of the township’s fire department millage.

The L’Anse Fire Department serves the village and the southern portion of the township. It is administered by the village. The Aura Fire Department serves the smaller northern portion of the township, and is administered by the township.

Revenues from the current one-mill property tax levy are divided between the department each year, based on a rather complex series of formulas. The new agreement would install a simple split – 75 percent for the L’Anse Department, and 25 percent for Aura.

The L’Anse village council endorsed the framework at its meeting last evening. The township board will take it up at its May meeting. Once both boards sign on, a formal agreement will be drawn up and submitted for official approval.

Village President Ron Ervast, a long-time member of the L’Anse Fire Department, led the discussions. He acknowledged that neither department will be getting as much money as needed. With costs rising, he anticipates that the next fire millage request will need to be higher…

If the millage doesn’t go up in four years, we’re going to look at probably either cutting off area we cover or selling some trucks.

In other action, the council appointed Thomas Johnson to the Green Hill Manor board.