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Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Seeks Millage Renewal
Airport director says the funding is vital for operations and regional economic growth.
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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The Southwest Michigan Regional Airport is pursuing the renewal of its 0.1 mill property tax levy, which was first approved by voters in 2006 and is up for renewal every 10 years. Airport Director Christopher Beckman says the millage makes up a significant portion of the airport's budget and allows it to maintain vehicles, pay staff, and operate efficiently. Beckman argues the airport is crucial for the region's economic development, as it attracts businesses and provides access for executives, consultants, and small plane pilots.
Why it matters
The Southwest Michigan Regional Airport is a key piece of infrastructure that supports the region's economic growth and development. The renewal of the millage will ensure the airport can continue to operate and provide services that attract businesses and visitors to the area.
The details
The 0.1 mill property tax levy, which equates to $10 for every $100,000 of taxable property value, was first approved by voters in 2006 and is up for renewal every 10 years. Airport Director Christopher Beckman says the millage makes up a significant portion of the airport's budget and allows it to maintain vehicles, pay staff, and operate efficiently. Beckman argues the airport is crucial for the region's economic development, as it provides access for businesses, executives, consultants, and small plane pilots.
- The millage was first approved by voters in 2006.
- The millage is up for renewal every 10 years.
- The Benton Township Board of Trustees voted this week to allow the millage renewal on the August ballot.
- The other affected municipalities will be asked to do the same in the coming weeks.
The players
Christopher Beckman
The director of the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport.
Benton Township Board of Trustees
The local government body that voted to allow the millage renewal on the August ballot.
What they’re saying
“It's very important to us. It makes up a huge portion of our budget. It allows us to maintain our vehicles, pay our staff, and just keep things operating here effectively and efficiently as we can.”
— Christopher Beckman, Airport Director (WSJM.com)
“It gives this region opportunity for growth. A lot of companies, when they look to build somewhere, anything like that, they look for, 'Hey, how can we get out to people? What do we need?' And a lot of times, that involves being near an airport. So just in terms of economical growth, the airport is vital for local economies.”
— Christopher Beckman, Airport Director (WSJM.com)
What’s next
The other affected municipalities, including St. Joseph, St. Joseph Township, Lincoln Township, and Royalton Township, will be asked to vote on allowing the millage renewal on the August ballot in the coming weeks.
The takeaway
The renewal of the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport's property tax millage is crucial for the airport's continued operations and the region's economic development. The millage provides a significant portion of the airport's budget, allowing it to maintain infrastructure and services that attract businesses and visitors to the area.
