What is a millage?
A property tax rate that is used to fund a specific local service, like a library, schools, or parks.
Local governments often use millages to fund services.
Millage comes from “mill,” meaning one-thousandth of a dollar in property tax terms.
A 1-mill tax means $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value.
Formula for individual homeowners/property owners:
Mill rate x taxable property value ÷ 1,000 = amount paid per year for that millage.
Why is the Ferndale Area District Library’s millage on the ballot in 2026?
In Michigan, local property taxes, such as library millages, must be approved by voters. Because the library’s funding comes from a voter-authorized millage, the library must periodically seek voter authorization for that funding.
Library millages are approved by voters for a limited period: Ferndale’s most recent millage was approved for a ten-year period, 2017-2027. When that period ends, the library must return to voters to seek authorization to continue levying the tax rate.
What was approved in 2016?
In 2016, voters approved a new 3.5‑mill millage. This replaced the previous 2‑mill levy from 2007, which had generated less revenue following property-value declines and Headlee rollbacks.
By 2016, library usage had increased (by approximately 400% since 2005), even while revenue had declined due to falling property values (post-recession). Over the last decade, funding was used to increase operating hours (open 7 days a week), maintain staffing levels, support programming, collections, digital resources, and technology replacement/updates.
Ferndale is a ‘District Library,’ what does that mean?
It means the library has separate governance and funding. The library is governed by an elected Board of Directors, and its finances are separate from the City, i.e., the library is not a City Department and not part of the City Budget.
Does ‘District’ mean the library shares funding with the schools?
The library formed partnerships with the schools and the city back in 2016, but the library’s funding remains separate from both. (94% of revenue comes from property taxes). What this partnership really means is that the city participates in the legal process required to place the proposal on the ballot , and the schools help define the district boundaries. This structure is required under Michigan district library law.
The library provides outreach programming for Ferndale Public School students, and city election officials may use the library as a polling location, but these collaborations do not imply any financial connection.
How has funding been allocated since 2016?
Open seven days a week with updated Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Program attendance increased from 9,000 (2016) to 15,000 (2025)
Youth outreach programming in schools and the community
Additional collection formats, including Library of Things items, games, STEM kits, seeds, and vinyl records, as well as expanded genre, international, large-print, and dyslexia-friendly collections
20 recurring programs and 60+ one-time events annually
Staffing increase and elimination of overdue fines
Partnerships with local organizations and nearby libraries to provide programs and resource sharing
Online resources including databases, e-books, research tools, and New York Times access
What is on the 2026 ballot?
Two proposals:
1.) Operations Millage
- Current operating levy: 2.81 mills
- Additional levy: 0.50 mill
- Total: up to 3.31 mills ($3.31 per $1,000 of taxable value)
- Duration: 10 years (2027–2036)
- Purpose: Fund library operations and programs
- Estimated first-year revenue: ~$3.4 million
2.) Capital Asset Millage
- Rate: 0.50 mill ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value)
- Duration: 10 years (2027–2036)
- Purpose: Fund building and technology repairs, replacements, and upgrades including:
- Geothermal HVAC system
- Roof, siding, and flooring
- Ethernet/network upgrades
- Estimated first-year revenue: ~$515,000
Why is the proposed Operations Renewal rate different from the current rate?
The library’s voter-approved 2016 operating millage was authorized at 3.5 mills. Due to reductions required under Michigan’s Headlee Amendment, the current levy has been reduced to 2.81 mills.
The 2026 proposal would authorize:
- An operating millage rate up to the previously authorized level
- A separate additional 0.5-mill capital asset levy
Headlee rollbacks affect the millage rate collected over time as taxable values change.
How would Capital Asset funds be used?
The library building is used by 120,000+ visitors annually.
Many features installed during past renovations are now nearly 16 years old and scheduled for replacement or maintenance.
- Proposed uses include:
- Accessibility-related improvements
- Technology and network infrastructure
- Facility maintenance and building systems
Separate capital funding would distinguish facility expenses from operating expenditures.
Why does the library spend a portion of its revenue on its building/facilities?
Unlike many libraries, the Ferndale Area District Library owns its building. Owning the space means a portion of our revenue goes toward maintenance, repairs, and upgrades necessary to keep the facility operational and accessible safe, for the approximately 120,000 visitors who use it each year. Building ownership also requires ongoing capital and maintenance expenditures.
How many people use the library?
2025:
Physical visits - 122,053
Total items circulated - 207,028
Public Computer Sessions - 86,376
Program attendance (all ages) - 13,087
Circulation Highlights (2022–2025)
Physical Media: 27,516 DVDs/Blu‑Rays; 9,936 CDs
Games & Kits: 4,995 puzzles/board games; 2,597 video games; 881 Library of Things
Digital Collections: 50,400 e-book and audiobook downloads
When is Election Day?
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
To view the library's new Strategic Plan, as well as the latest budget report, click here
To see more recent statistics of library usage, click here