SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Nearly 80 outraged residents rallied outside a Macomb County meeting Wednesday night chanting “No more tax hikes” in protest of a proposed 9 percent tax raise.

The county, facing an $18 million deficit, is considering raising the property millage from 4.2 mills to 4.56 mills.

Commissioners estimate the 9 percent increase would bring another $8 million more annually to the county.

Former Macomb County Commissioner Leon Drolet led the protesters outside the public forum at Palazzo Grande Banquet Center in Shelby Township.

“For the county to come here and insist on raising the county millege 9 percent is completely irresponsible,” said Drolet, of the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance.

The increase would cost a homeowner of a $150,000 home $27 more each year in county taxes.

Board of Commissioners Chairman Pail Gielegham said without the millage increase, the county will have to eliminate senior services, many Health Department Programs, the Michigan State University Extension program and other services.

"Even if I lose $1 million, I gotta pay taxes. I don't get where you guys are going," said Washington Township resident Mike Torres.

The board said it has already slashed $34 million from the budget in the past four years.

The consensus of the residents is that more fat needs to be cut before a tax hike is imposed.

“They need to cut costs like a business person does, cut costs on insurances, cut back on unemployment, get rid of the union,” said Torres.

The board was also criticized for giving county employees defined benefit retirement plans.

One resident said, “Can you tell me one business other than a county, where I can retire at age 50 with a full pension and lifetime insurance?”

Gielegham said elected officials hired after 2002 are no longer eligible to retire at 50 years old, and the new age requirement is now 55.

Commissioners are expected to vote on the millage later this month.

Macomb County has not passed a property tax hike in nearly 30 years.