ALPENA — On the November ballot for Alpena voters is a proposed property tax increase to ensure Dial-a-Ride Transportation continues services.

Dial-a-Ride is operated by the Thunder Bay Transportation Authority. On average, the Dial-a-Ride buses give 90,177 rides a year, down from a 92,501-ride annual average in 2014.

The millage would climb from 0.65 mills to 1 mill for the next four years, if approved by voters. A 1-mill property tax costs the owner of a $100,000 house about $50 a year, so the proposal would mean an increase of $17.50 per year over the current millage.

TBTA General Manager Andrew Sundin said the tax increase would help the organization keep fare rates the same: $1.50 for a full fare price and 75 cents for children, seniors, and people with disabilities. If the tax should fail, TBTA would be forced to explore rate hikes or other measures.

Sundin said those rates have to stay low because of the people they serve.

“We got to keep them at an affordable range for transportation,” he said. “We have the lowest fares in the state, and people keep telling us we have to increase those fares to stay sustainable. I would much rather do an increase in a millage by a little bit than have to go into the pockets of those who don’t necessarily have that money available.”

Sundin said the 1 mill would bring in an estimated $243,215 into TBTA, an increase of $93,215.

The Dial-a-Ride millage started in 2006 and, since then, parts for buses, maintenance, utilities, and more are all more expensive, Sundin said.

“This will help us get back on track,” Sundin said.

If the millage does not pass, Sundin said TBTA would try again during a special election in the spring.

Julie Goldberg can be reached at 989-358-5688 or jgoldberg@thealpenanews.com. Follow her on Twitter @jkgoldberg12.

Dial-a-Ride tax hike

Alpena voters will be asked to increase the property tax for Dial-a-Ride services by 0.35 mills, or about $17.50 a year for the owner of a $100,000 house.

The tax would be in effect for four years, through 2023, and would raise about $93,215 in additional funding for the public transportation service.