Local millage, city commission elected in past election
Mount Pleasant resident and Central Michigan University Professor Mike Hixson serves a pickleball at the Isabella County Commission of Aging in Mount Pleasant on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. (CM-Life | Trevor Sparks)
The Isabella Commission on Aging had a Senior Citizens Services millage re-approved during the past primary election on Aug. 4.
The millage will be used to fund any programs and services for elderly adults in the county. The bond language states that residents will be taxed 1.00 Mill, which is the same rate as the last millage. The current millage will end in 2035.
The millage was first approved in 2006, and has now been renewed twice. It is estimated that around $2,829,633 tax dollars will be raised for the facility with this millage, according to the official bond language.
“We’re so grateful,” Jennifer Crawford, director of the Isabella County Commission on Aging, said. “It’s humbling. We’re so excited about the support that we have from the community.”
“I think it just shows the importance of the work that’s being done here and the wonderful things that our team does, and so we’re just really proud of that and very excited about that support.”
The millage had a success rate of around 77% throughout the county, according to the county page.
Crawford said the millage provides up to 65% of the commission’s revenues. The money supports the staff and the commission’s five programs. This includes:
- The nutrition program that provides home delivered meals to older residents
- Home programs that aid in housekeeping
- Activities program
- 300 volunteers
- Foster Grandparent Senior Companion Program, which is a program working to receive grant funding
“I think (the millage passing) just shows the importance of the work that’s being done here, and the wonderful things that our team does,” Crawford said. “We’re just really proud of that and very excited about that support.”
Along with the millage, city commissioner Hanna Demerath was elected as a city commissioner for Mount Pleasant. She beat candidate Michael C. Kostrzewa by 55.64% of the vote. She will be in office until Dec. 31, 2028.
"I know it's a lot of work, but I take a lot of responsibility that I was voted in," Demerath said. "(Campaigning) was a great experience, and I'm glad to have it."
