Millage passes in Hazel Park   By Jeremy Adragna C & G Staff Writer A Hazel Park millage increase proposed to clear up a possible $650,000 budget deficit and the prospect of ending some city services passed following a vote Feb. 28. "It was critically important to maintain services we have," said City Manager Edward Klobucher. "I’m grateful to the residents of Hazel Park." Klobucher says that administrators faced closing the city’s Recreation Department and the City Advance Life Support Service if the increase was not passed. The final tally of votes had nearly 58.5 percent of those cast approving the increase. The 1978 Headlee Amendment has kept the millage under 20 mills, and a number of other uncontrollable expenditures like pensions have also contributed to the deficit. "We were caught in an eight-sided vice," Klobucher said. Homeowners will see the first change on their summer tax bills. According to Oakland County statistics, the average taxable value of a home in Hazel Park is $34,000. That translates to a $115 increase per year, although the number may be higher or lower based on the number of years the home has been owned. You can reach Jeremy Adragna at jadragna@candgnews.com City of Hazel Park, 111 E. Nine Mile Rd., Hazel Park, MI 48030 Disclaimer