Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Bessemer City Council approves 2024 operating millage

By DAMIIAN LANG

[email protected]

Bessemer — The Bessemer City Council approved on Tuesday a total millage of 18.2719 to be levied on July 1.

It includes an operational millage of 17.2765 and a millage of .9954 for the Bessemer Public Library.

This represents no change since 2023 and accounts for a 1.0 Headlee Rollback.

On the related 2024 Tax Rate Request form, the taxable value of all properties in the city as of May 28 was just over $40 million, or specifically, $40,018,664.

Council members also:

—Approved the placement of delinquent utility charges on the summer tax roll. Interim City Manager Mandy Lake, who is also the clerk/treasurer, said the charges totaling $19,347.05 have been delinquent for more than six months.

—Approved a request by the Parks and Recreation Commission to purchase a new refrigerator, with the cost not to exceed $1,200, for the pavilion at Bluff Valley Park.

—Heard a presentation from Andy Campbell, director of Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors of East Lansing, regarding Michigan’s “convoluted” calculation of debt limits. No action was taken.

—Engaged in further discussion regarding the potential hiring of a newly created position for a community development director. No action was taken.

The Bessemer City Council’s next regular meeting will be on June 10 at 6 p.m. in the council chamber of the Bessemer City Hall.