Traverse City Record-Eagle

Election 2011

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  • Buses leave and arrive at the Bay Area Transportation Authority Hall Street Transfer Station. Record-Eagle file photo/Jan-Michael Stump

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  • Tom Menzel Record-Eagle/Jan-Michael Stump

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November 9, 2011

Voters OK BATA millage

Request passes 11,917 to 3,914

BY BRIAN McGILLIVARY bmcgillivary@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — A contentious gay protections ordinance drew Rebecca Bowman to the polls, but while there she also voted to support the Bay Area Transportation Authority's millage request.

Bowman, a young, first-time voter, was among an overwhelming majority of voters in Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties who carried the bus service's 0.3454 mill property tax renewal to victory.

"BATA does a great job. It's important and it fills a need," Bowman said.

BATA's millage request passed in the two counties by a combined 11,917 to 3,914 count, or 75 percent approval.

Traverse City resident Lindsay King works with numerous people who use BATA, and she likes the changes the agency has made to improve efficiency.

"It's a lot of positives," King said. "I supported it."

The vote validates what BATA has done to turn itself around financially and provide new value to the community, said Tom Menzel, BATA executive director.

BATA officials said they were confident going into the election, but were surprised by the margin of victory.

"Usually 60 percent is considered a landslide," Menzel said. "I think people appreciate what BATA is willing to do ... and I think we got the message out that on Nov. 30 we will make more structural changes to add value to the community."

BATA board member Janet Wolf gave credit to Menzel and his leadership.

"This is a great response, and I didn't expect it, but it does affirm what Tom is trying to do and the board is very supportive of BATA's direction," Wolf said. "We're very pleased."

The measure sought slightly less than the last millage request and will raise about $2.3 million annually to fund bus operations. It will cost the owner of a home with a $75,000 taxable value about $26 a year.

Those opposed to the millage, such as Garfield Township resident Bob Mittendorf, questioned the value the public receives for tax dollars sent to BATA.

But most voters said they are willing to pay for the service BATA provides, even if they don't use it.

"I believe in public transportation, people need it, and it's not hurting my pocketbook much," said Lynn Adams, of Traverse City.

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