Ypsilanti voters favor public transportation millage, but issue to be decided in November

The issue appeared on Tuesday's ballot but didn't count because Attorney General Mike Cox’s office said charter amendments can't be listed on primary ballots, and the ballot language was 102 words, while the maximum length was 100.

Despite that, those involved in the effort were eager to see the results to gauge how voters may lean in November. The measure passed with 70 percent approving it.

“This is a major victory for public transit and the city of Ypsilanti,” said Richard Murphy, co-chair of Keep Ypsi Rollin'. “Our committee is proud of the stance our voters took today. We will work to pass it just as strongly when the valid vote occurs in the general election on November 2."

The proposal would restore the city’s ability to capture 20 mills instead of the 19.0211 maximum allowed per the Headlee Amendment. That would equate to an additional $281,000 for public transportation in 2011, which now comes out of the general fund.

Residents whose homes have a taxable value of $100,000 would pay $97.89 more annually.