A second Elmwood Township fire millage proposal gained the support of three times as many voters, and possibly three Township Board members.

But the millage still failed by a large majority, leaving the board with the unpleasant task of looking at where to make budget cuts Tuesday during its next monthly meeting.

"Well, we're going to have to go in and cut the budget," said clerk Connie Preston, the only board member at the Township Hall after election results became known Tuesday evening.

Preston said entering the first millage election on Aug. 7 that she had yet to decide whether to vote "yes." Treasurer Debbie Street said she opposed the millage, and trustee Terry Lautner said after the election that he would have voted against even placing the question on the ballot had he been in attendance when the decision was made.

All three signaled their support for the compromise request, which sought 0.3-mill less from property owners.

The original request went down in history as the first Elmwood fire millage opposed by voters — and it wasn't even close. The proposal, seeking 1.572 mills over five years, was defeated 634-194. Nearly 77 percent were opposed. The gap was closed and the turnout higher for the second try, which sought 1.272 mills. But the question was still soundly turned down, 778-581. Some 57 percent were in opposition.

In Elmwood, only one of thee millage requests was approved. A .35-mill property tax renewal sought by the Bay Area Transportation Authority was approved in Elmwood and in Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties. A 3.1-mill property tax request sought by Traverse City Area Public Schools was turned down in Elmwood but easily approved within the school district.

Why did the fire question fail again?

"It's not good times," offered Preston. "I guess (voters) picked the one out of the three. They were willing to give a little money, but not to everything."

Resident Michelle Murdick, who opposed the previous millage and has been vocal during past meetings at which the fire millage was discussed, said property owners are already bearing a heavy burden.

"I feel it is unfortunate for the residents of Elmwood and the (Fire) Department that this millage did not pass, however it is understandable given all of the recent increases we have had to endure … coupled with the bad economic times of Michigan. People just do not have the money to pay for everything that government wants, and are forced to choose against some very important issues," she said.

Beginning about two years ago, the board authorized the first full-time positions for the Elmwood Township Fire and Rescue Department. Funding the positions has put a drain on the township General Fund, which supplements monies generated from the present .3765-mill fire levy.

Some .382-mill of the proposed new tax would have been designated for the purchase of new equipment, including replacement of a 27-year-old fire truck that township officials say fails to meet insurance standards.

In the case of both millage proposals, the township had pledged not to collect the current .3765-mill should voters approve a new property tax.

A flyer sent to township residents prior to the election bearing the names of all seven board members stated what would happen should the millage fail. "The (two) full-time fire fighter/EMT (emergency medical technician) positions will be eliminated. New equipment will not be purchased, and the old equipment will continue to be used as long as it can be maintained."

However, that decision had not been made at a board meeting. Board members are expected Tuesday to take up the question of budget cuts.