News from City of Alma

City of Alma E-Newsletter

News That's Important for You!

August 2013

Don't Forget to Vote on August 6th

On Tuesday, August 6th, 2013, there will be a special millage election to fund Michigan State University Extension, including 4-H youth programs, and economic development through Greater Gratiot Development. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. To find our where you vote in Alma, please follow this link.

You WILL NOT pay more taxes under this millage. You have already been paying for the services of MSU Extension, 4-H, and Greater Gratiot Development through a property tax levied annually for the past three years by the Gratiot County Board of Commissioners authorized through Public Act 88. This simply replaces an annual process with a five year funding structure. Just like the current system, this millage will allow the county to allocate up to .5 mills specifically for these important services. The exact millage levy will still be determined annually by the Gratiot County Board. Following is the ballot language:

Proposition for Gratiot County New Millage Request to
Fund MSU Extension Services
Including the 4-H Youth Programs and the
Economic Development Corporation of
The County of Gratiot

"Shall the limitation upon the total amount of general ad valorem taxes imposed upon real and tangible personal property for all purposes in any one year under the Michigan Constitution be increased for the funding of MSU Extension Services including 4-H Youth Programs (.1666 mills), the Economic Development Corporation (.3334 mills) in Gratiot County, and to levy for that purpose not more than .50 mill (equal to $.50 per $1,000 of taxable value of all real and tangible of personal property, estimated first year revenues of $611,000), for a five year (5) period 2013 through 2017, inclusive, to provide funding previously provided by the County pursuant to Public Act 88 of 1913 as amended, the proposed millage is a new millage, the revenue from which would be dispersed to the County of Gratiot?"

Yes or No.

To learn more, click here.

Sidewalk Replacement Program

The sidewalk replacement program is progressing smoothly and should be completed by the end of August. In addition to the regular program, the City is constructing a sidewalk on the west side of Charles Ave. from the rail trail south, connecting with existing sidewalk. This portion of the sidewalk replacement program should be completed within the next week.

Central Business District

Construction Update

The construction project that is occurring in the downtown area of the City is nearly three weeks ahead of schedule. The pipe for the new sewer main was completed on July 24th and the base layers of asphalt were installed on Wright Avenue July 25th. During the week of July 29th permanent sewer service leads will be completed for buildings located on Park and Downie. The gravel road base should be installed in preparation for new asphalt paving to be reinstalled. During the week of August 5th Park Ave. and Downie Street should be paved and completed for traffic. Superior Street and Wright Avenue should be paved with the final course of asphalt during the week of August 12th, at which time, the intersection of Prospect and Superior will be closed for several days due to the construction of the concrete cross walk.

Masonic Pathways Cruise-In Car Show

& Free Community Outdoor Movie

Come join the fun on Friday, August 2 beginning at 5:00 p.m.at Masonic Pathways. Start the evening off by attending the Cruise-In Car Show and enjoy classic cars and music.

After you've enjoyed the classic cars, get your blanket or lawn chair and join the gang for the outdoor movie, "Madagascar 3" at 9:30 p.m. Concessions, chair swings, petting zoo, mini-golf, games and face painting will be available. The Lodge will also be providing a free Child Identification Program from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Don't miss out on a minute of fun!

Gratiot County Fair for Youth

The Gratiot County Fair for Youth comes to Alma August 3 - 10, 2013. The fair is a true community experience and tradition.

The fair will be an opportunity to enjoy fair food like caramel corn, elephant ears, and corn dogs while experiencing exhibits, an exciting midway and free stage shows. While at the fair take time to watch the exhibitors show their animal projects and stroll through the exhibit barns to see the creative projects the youth exhibitors created.

The week promises to be filled with fun and excitement. Come ride the rides, see the exhibits, grab a bit to eat and see the shows. You will not be disappointed. For more information, click on www.gcffy.org, follow them on Facebook or call 875-5292.

Gratiot County

Relay for Life

August 9th & 10th

Breckenridge

High School

The 18th Annual Relay for Life of Gratiot County will be held on Friday August 9th at 3 p.m. until Saturday August 10th at 3 p.m. at the Breckenridge High School track. What is Relay for life? Each year, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer through the Relay for Life movement.

There is an exciting addition to the Gratiot event this year! We are the last site in the state that will be hosting the Cancer Prevention Study-CPS3 survey. The survey is a long term study looking to see what factors can help prevent cancer. We are looking for individuals between 30-65, that have no personal history of cancer. All you need to do is come to our event on August 9th to participate. You will be asked to fill out a form with your personal information, and will have your waist measured, along with giving a small blood sample (similar to at a doctor office). Relay is a life changing, fun filled 24 hours with something for the entire family. If you have any questions, you may contact Jeff Naessens at 989-763-4284.

Old U.S. 27 Motor Tour

Come join us in downtown Alma on Thursday August 22, from 1 - 3 p.m.as we host the Old U.S. 27 Car Tour. Ithaca and St. Louis have been part of this tour for the last few years and we are excited to have been asked to join this year.

Dial-A-Ride Offers Back to School Specials & Pilot Saturday Service

back to school

Need transportation for your kids this school year? Dial-A-Ride offers reduced fare ticket books, monthly, semi-annual and annual passes as well as St. Louis service. Select the link for discounted fare information.

Also, be sure to check out DART's Facebook page for info on fares and all the latest information regarding the Saturday service pilot program for September and October. Questions? Contact the DART office at 989-463-6016.

Farm Market New Location a Success!

Don't forget to check out the Farm Market at their new location in Scotland Yard Park (corner of Pine & Downie). The market offers fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and more every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer and fall from 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Credit/Debit Cards

Now Accept Accepted

We now have the ability to accept credit/debit cards for all transactions. Please be aware that there will be a fee charged for the use of cards: minimum charge of $2.00 or 3%, whichever is greater. Tax bills remain at $3.00 per $100 or $3.00 minimum.

Please remember, this is not a fee that the City receives: it is a fee charged by the credit/debit card vendor. We still welcome checks and cash.

You can also pay your water bills through our monthly bank draft program. We also offer on-line payment options, although there is a fee associated with your on-line card use. If you have any questions, please call 463-8346.

Red Cross Blood Drives

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. By making an appointment to donate blood this month, you can help the Red Cross meet the needs of patients in our community and across the nation.

Upcoming blood drives are:

Tuesday, August 6: 1:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

East Superior Christian Church - Alma

Friday, August 23: 10:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Ashley Community Center

Friday, August 30: 11:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Pine Villa Apts. - Alma

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call

463-3209.

Summer Taxes are due September 16th.

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gossip

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Issue: 52