By Amy Joles
(Contact / Staff Bio)
November 3, 2009 - 09:23 p.m. EST
Click on photo to enlarge
On Tuesday evening, following the election, community members that were in favor of the village-to-city change made it official by "changing" the sign on the west side of Caro on M-81.
CARO — A preliminary vote tally indicates that Caro is no longer a village. It's a city, governed by a charter approved by the voters.
According to Allen Jones, member of the Caro Charter Commission, voters approved the proposed city charter, making the municipality a home-ruled city.
Unofficial counts show that Indianfields Township voters were in favor of the city charter, 350-150. Almer Township residents were in favor of the charter, 87-26.
Only residents within the proposed city boundaries were permitted to vote in the Nov. 3 election.
"This brings to an end something that started back in 2002," said Jones, crediting the 9-member charter commission, along with the work of many volunteers. "We're pretty pumped."
Voters also approved city council members in this election. Preliminary results indicate Caro's Village President Tom Striffler was voted in as the mayor of Caro. Trustees earning three-year seats include: Mike Henry, Rick Lipan and Joe Greene. Trustees earning two-year seats include: Charlotte Kish, Amanda Langmaid and Richard Pouliot.
All results are unofficial at this point. Tuscola County Clerk Margie White-Cormier will verify results today, Wednesday, Nov. 4.
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November 3, 2009
10:38 p.m.Report inappropriate content
ahhhh just what caro needed.... City Taxes!!
November 3, 2009
10:59 p.m.Report inappropriate content
This is great news for Caro residents as well as people who live and work in and around the newly formed city! No longer will village residents be forced to pay township taxes and village taxes! That makes no sense! Becoming a city streamlines everything and makes things much more efficient for everybody. This also allows for more funding from the state government. Great job Caro residents!
November 3, 2009
11:47 p.m.Report inappropriate content
It's been a long time coming. Kudos to all that made this possible. From the original committee to the voters--Congratulations!
And Mouth there are no proposed "city" taxes.
November 4, 2009
6:01 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I'm so glad this passed!! We have been paying township taxes too long!! Thanks to all who voted for this.
November 4, 2009
12:03 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Sooo, Now my city taxes will be less than the combined township/village taxes??
November 4, 2009
12:45 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Yes, patrickd, they will be.
November 4, 2009
1:09 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Well that sounds good, but I have never seen any govt that ever was satisfied with less. Somehow I suspect that they will come up with some sort of excuse as to why they need that money anyway. All I can do is hope, but until I actually see a reduction in the amount of taxes I'm paying I will remain a skeptic.
November 4, 2009
5:29 p.m.Report inappropriate content
The reason why they will be lower is because when you live inside of a village, you actually are a resident of the village itself and a township. Therefore, you are paying taxes to two government entities whereas most people only pay taxes to one local entity like a city or a township only. Villages really don't make sense to have in existence, but we have them anyways. All we can do is "upgrade" to something that is much more streamlined and meets the needs of its people better. (And be taxed only once by one entity for city services)
November 4, 2009
9:55 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Like I said. It all sounds good and looks good on paper, but I will be very shocked if I recieve a city tax bill that in total is less than the previous combined tax bill. You would have to look far and wide to find any govt entity that is willing to do with less. They always find a way to need and spend more taxes than they are alocated.
I hope I will be proven wrong. At which time I will gladly step up and admit I was.
November 9, 2009
1:53 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Thank you, our taxes won't go to that foolish township and their goofy board.