(Allegan, MI - WHTC News) - The matter of a narrow passage of a tax hike in Saugatuck Township will now be settled in the courts.
Walter Hanlin, who had sought a recount of last month’s election results in which a half-mill, two-year levy passed by two votes, filed a lawsuit in Allegan County Circuit Court last Friday. Naming the county’s board of canvassers, the township and its board as defendants, Hanlin is asking that the results be voided and a new election be held.
The litigation came a week after the canvassers stopped a requested recount, saying that the ballots weren’t properly sealed and handled by precinct workers after the polls closed on May 4th. This made the election night results final. The state is investigating the matter.
The levy would fund a legal war chest for the township to battle developer Aubrey McClendon, who has sued the municipality over tax and zoning issues stemming from his intent to build up pristine dune land at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River.
-Gary Stevens, WHTC/WYVN News
