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 that benefit everyone. 
 
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 ask the community to renew or approve that funding.

Library millages are approved by voters for a limited period: Ferndale’s most recent millage was approved (by a margin of 2-1) for a ten-year period, 2017-2027. When that authorization period ends, the library must return to voters to request a renewal if it wants to continue collecting revenue at that tax rate. 


 

What was approved in 2016?

In 2016, the community overwhelmingly supported the library with a 68% ‘yes’ vote on a new 3.5‑mill millage. This replaced the previous 2‑mill levy from 2007, which had lost purchasing power due to property-value declines and Headlee-imposed tax rollbacks following the 2008 housing crash. 

By 2016, library usage had increased dramatically (roughly 400% since 2005), even while revenue had declined due to falling property values (post-recession). Over the last decade, this renewed funding allowed the library to restore and expand open hours (open 7 days a week), strengthen staffing, increase programming, grow collections and digital resources, and upgrade technology.


 

Ferndale is a ‘District Library,’ what does that mean? 

It means: independent 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. Although the library had previously relied on city-based millages, 2016 marked the first time the Ferndale Area District Library asked voters directly for its own, independent millage as a district library. 


 

Does ‘District’ mean the library shares funding with the schools? 

NO! The library formed partnerships with the schools and the city back in 2016, but it is still independently funded (94% of revenue comes from property taxes). What this partnership really means is that the city helps put the millage on the ballot, and the schools help define the district boundaries. This partnership is required by law to ensure the library can ask voters for dedicated funding. 

The library facilitates outreach programming for & in 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. 


 

What has the library achieved since the 2016 millage? 

  • Open seven days a week with improved Wi-Fi

  • Program attendance increased from 9,000 (2016) to 15,000 (2025)

  • Expanded youth outreach, including dozens of programs in the community and schools

  • Broader collections, including nontraditional items (Library of Things, games, STEM kits, seeds, vinyl) and expanded genre, international, large-print, and dyslexia-friendly materials

  • 20 recurring programs and 60+ one-time events annually

  • Additional staff and a fine-free borrowing policy

  • Partnerships with local organizations and nearby libraries to expand programs and resource sharing

  • More online resources (databases, e-books, research tools, New York Times access)

  • 2023 Accessibility and Inclusion Award and launch of a library podcast

 


 

What is on the 2026 ballot? 

Two propositions: The Ferndale Area District Library is asking voters to renew its existing millage and approve a small additional 0.5‑mill levy.

1.) Operations Millage 

  • Renewal rate: 2.81 mills (restores the previously approved rate that expires in 2026)
  • New funding: 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

  • Rate: 0.50 mill ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value)
  • Duration: 10 years (2027–2036)
  • Purpose: Fund repairs and upgrades that extend the life, accessibility, and value of library buildings and tech, including:
  • Geothermal HVAC system
  • Roof, siding, and flooring
  • Ethernet/network upgrades
  • Estimated first-year revenue: ~$515,000


Why does the ballot make it look like we’re asking for more?

Our 3.5‑mill rate from 2016 has been rolled back to 2.81 mills due to Michigan’s Headlee Amendment.

Headlee prevents property tax revenue from automatically increasing when property values rise.

As Ferndale property values grew, the millage rate was lowered to keep our revenue within the original voter-approved limits.

The ballot may look like an increase, but we’re really just restoring the levy to the originally approved level. In other words. It’s not new revenue, because the library’s share of property taxes had actually decreased, due to Headlee’s limitations. 


 

The Capital Asset millage is an additional .5 mills. Why is it important? 

The library building itself is a vital community resource, used by 120,000+ visitors each year, offering study rooms, public computers, free Wi-Fi, and a vast collection to loan. 

Many features installed during past renovations are now nearly 18 years old and in need of replacement or maintenance. 

  • This additional millage is intended to ensure:
    • Exceptional accessibility and comfortable spaces for all visitors
    • Reliable technology and internet with no downtime
    • Safe, well-maintained facilities for programs, study rooms, and community events

This increase in capital funding would prevent construction costs from cutting into daily service funding, so the library can continue offering programs, collections, and staffing without disruption. 

These investments let the library operate safely while aligning costs with available revenue — without affecting core services.

 

 

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 to keep the facility safe, accessible, and comfortable for the 120,000+ visitors who use it each year. This investment also protects the library’s independence and allows us to plan and grow while continuing core programs and services.


 

How many people actually 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

 


What will the millage be used for / what if it passes?

  • Updated Ethernet – faster, steadier network for all users
  • Replacing Geothermal HVAC – maintain comfort and efficiency year-round
  • Digital borrowing – preserving access to Hoopla & Kanopy
  • Staying Open/Active 7 Days A Week – consistent community access & programs
  • New carpet – clean, safe, welcoming floors
  • Exterior upkeep – maintain building appearance & longevity
  • ADD Youth YOTO players – audio learning & stories for kids
  • GROW foreign language collections – resources for youth and adults
  • Grow new collections – expand vinyl, STEM kits, and more
  • Enhanced programming opportunities – support recurring & one-off events
  • More off-site field trips – bring library experiences into the community & outside of Ferndale
  • Credit card payment for printing – convenient, modern access




What will happen if the millage DOESN’T PASS? 

  • Funding impact – library loses additional revenue, limiting flexibility
  • Digital borrowing limits – Hoopla drops to 3/month; Kanopy to 12/month
  • Programming – only recurring programs maintained; one-off programs limited & not guaranteed
  • Operating hours – potential reduction to 6 days/week if millage fails twice
  • Staffing – levels remain unchanged, at least in the short term
  • Financial flexibility is reduced – fewer funds available for unexpected costs
  • Limited ability to absorb emergencies – repairs/unexpected expenses could strain the budget
  • Funding reserves depleted – unassigned funds dropped from $600K (FY23) to $180K (FY26)***
    • ***A portion of reserves was intentionally used for 2024–2025 renovations (single-stall bathrooms, new Used Bookstore, new study room) and routine transfers to the general fund.
  • Without sufficient reserves… the library risks being unable to maintain services, cover unexpected expenses, or respond to emergencies while keeping day-to-day programs running.
        

 

When is Election Day? 

Tuesday, August 4, 2026
 

To find more information about the two library proposals, visit: 

City of Ferndale – Voting & Elections
https://www.ferndalemi.gov/services/voting-in-ferndale

Oakland County Elections Division
https://elections.oaklandcountymi.gov/home-elections

Michigan Voter Information Center (MI.gov/vote)
https://www.michigan.gov/vote

 

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