Several proposals will be on the ballot Tuesday for voters in the greater Niles area, including a millage renewal for law enforcement coverage in Niles Township, a millage renewal for Buchanan Community Schools and multiple countywide and local millage renewals.

Locally, Niles Township residents will decide whether or not to continue paying for 24-hour police protection from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department in the Aug. 2 election.

The proposal, a renewal of 1 mill for the next four years, would generate an estimated $379,000 in the first year. It would cost a property owner whose home has a taxable value of $50,000 approximately $50 a year.

It was last renewed in 2012 by a vote of 3,023 to 2,241.

Clerk Terry Eull said the millage would cover a little less than half of the cost of the police service, which is roughly $900,000. The township covers the rest of the cost.

Eull said if the renewal fails, the township would have to determine if it would cover the entire payment or drop the police contract all together.

“We are very happy with what the county is doing and we think the township residents are too,” Eull said. “We hope to continue with what we are doing.”

The sheriff’s department responded to nearly 4,000 service calls in the township last year. The sheriff’s department has seven full-time personnel serving the township, which has a population of 14,000.

Capt. Robert Boyce said the sheriff’s department has provided law enforcement service to the township since January of 2006.

Also Tuesday, Buchanan voters will consider renewing an 18.5 mill non-homestead millage for Buchanan Community Schools.

The proposal will not affect taxes people pay on their primary residence because “non-homestead” refers to things like commercial property, rental property and second homes.

The millage would generate approximately $2.15 million, or around 13 percent of the district’s $15.5 million budget. Revenue would pay for school programs, supplies, utilities, transportation, maintenance and staffing.

The millage was last approved by voters in 2007. The renewal would be good for the next eight years.

For more on ballot proposals see page 3.