Cass County millage passes by just 14 votes, public transportation users keep access

CASS COUNTY, Mich. - Some local measures were on the ballot in Tuesday's Michigan primaries, including a millage proposal to secure the future of Cass County Public Transportation.

The measure passed by a mere fourteen votes.

Back in January, ABC57's Annie Kate brought you the story of Mary Kathleen Jones, who just turned 80 years old.

About five years ago, she began to lose her eyesight and voluntarily gave up her driver's license.

Jones says she's thrilled to keep her access to public transportation, even if it won by just 14 votes.

Without the millage passing, it's likely Cass County would have lost its public transportation services.

Anyone in the county can book a ride for a small fee. They just need to give about a day's notice.

The millage adds an extra $25 per $100,000 of taxable property value per household per year.

Jones says not many people realize public transportation is available to everyone and says she believes without ABC57's coverage, not many in the community would have voted yes.

Jones stated, "I'm saying that it really kind of saves my life because it gives me freedom to be independent. It gives me the freedom to go to my tai chi class three days a week at the senior center, to have social time with my friends, to go to my doctor's appointments, to go shopping."  

Cass County Public Transportation currently serves about 6,000 people.

Not only will public transportation continue in Cass County, but it also now has the opportunity to expand services to the community.