To the Editor:

As a resident of Bingham Township, I am commenting on Eric Carlson’s June 21 article about the request to renew a 2.3 mill property tax for joint fire and rescue in Suttons Bay Township and Bingham Township.

The personnel in this department joined a union right after the last millage was passed and started salary and benefit negotiations. No information has been released about these closed door negotiations or the cost to both townships.

Before this millage is passed, I believe that the people that will be paying it should know where their taxes are going to be spent.

We are providing 24/7 Advanced Life Support ambulance service to Leelanau Township and Leland Township. It appears that our ALS ambulance service is inadequately utilized in Suttons Bay Township and Bingham Township. Leland Township will pay $7,500 per year. Is this adequate reimbursement?

We also need to judge if we need full time, professional staff providing 24/7 Advanced Life Support ambulance and fire coverage. This is particularly true when 20 percent of their runs go to Peshawbestown.

While everyone is grateful for the periodic equipment donations from the tribe, their lack of a commitment of a regular portion of their 2-percent tribal casino revenue sharing funds to fire and rescue services places an unfair burden on the townships.

Do we need this level of service? Do we want to pay for it?

Ross Ard

W. Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City