By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
LUDINGTON — On Tuesday, Aug. 5, voters in the cities of Ludington and Scottville will be asked to renew a public transportation millage of up to 1.975 mill. If approved, the five year millage will raise about $480,000 each year for Ludington Mass Transit Authority.
The millage covers 20 percent of LMTA’s budget.
The authority provides service to passengers traveling within and between the two cities, Pere Marquette Charter Township, and the US 10 corridor in Amber Township. It also provides service to several schools and West Shore Community College.
Contract with Pere Marquette Charter Township, WSCC, local schools, and elderly care facilities account for 20 percent of the agency’s budget. Passenger fees account for another 10 percent while state and federal funding make up the remaining 55 percent, for an estimated annual budget of $2.4 million.
LMTA currently employs 16 full time and 26 part time employees. In 2024, it carried 113,118 passengers, which included 25,408 senior citizens, 76,907 regular passengers, 15,224 passengers with disabilities or special needs, and 15,579 senior citizens with disabilities.
It operates a fleet of 21 buses and vans, all equipped with Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant loading ramps. Additionally, LMTA will receive a hybrid vehicle this fall, designated for non-emergency medical appointments for seniors throughout Mason County. This vehicle will be provided through a partnership with Michigan Transportation Connection and a grant aimed at assisting elderly riders in rural townships.
“Public transportation in our area has demonstrated over the past 51 years that it is a vital asset to our community and residents in Ludington and Scottville,” said Paul Keson, executive director of LMTA. ““Public transit creates numerous opportunities for our community, supporting businesses, employment, and medical care, all of which contribute to the economic growth of Mason County.”
The current millage rate of 1.1975 mills was originally approved by voters for 1.25 mills in 2016, but has been reduced over the years due to Headlee rollbacks affecting both cities. If the renewal is approved, it will maintain the 1.1975 mills rate from 2026 through 2030. The millage funds both capital and operating expenses.
For homeowners with a taxable value of $50,000 in Ludington and Scottville, the renewed millage would cost approximately $59.88 per year, equating to about $4.92 per month.
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