A millage renewal for the Kalkaska Memorial Health Center will be on the ballot May 8.

The expiring millage rate approved in 1997 was 1.7 mills. The new, 10-year millage rage would be slightly less: 1.6 mills.

"It is expiring,"Jim Austin, KMHC administrator said. "Because it is being lowered, our attorney assures us, we can use the word Ôrenewal.'""

KMHC plans to invest $22 million to expand health care services in Kalkaska. Between $8 to 9 million would come from the renewed millage. The remainder would come from operating revenue and loans. The number of people using outpatient services at KMHC increases each year. Since 1987, outpatient visits have risen from about 6,000 to 45,000 annually.

"The community support in improving the hospital in the pasat 20 years has been exceptional," Austin said. "We have an opportunity to expand the hospital for the betterment of the community."

In a recent community survey, residents indicated they want KMHC to grow and to offer expanded health care services locally: 87 percent want more space for Munson specialists; 86 percent want KMHC to add an MRI; 81 percent want colonoscopy procedures at KMHC; 79 percent want an assisted living facility; 76 percent want eye surgery services.

New services planned at KMHC include all of the above, plus dialysis services.

A proposed $15 million outpatient services building would include MRI, colonoscopy, eye surgery, dialysis, expanded radiology, cardiac rehabilitation and physical therapy. With an approved renewal millage, construction could begin in September and be completed in about two years.

A new $4 million, 40-bed assisted living and senior supportive housing complex along Second Street would allow older residents to live independently, but be close to medical services.

Kalkaska Memorial has 258 employees and a payroll of $10 million, up from 86 employees in 1990. More than 70 percent of KMHC employees live in Kalkaska County.