Both of the library's millage proposals on the 2026 Primary Ballot were approved by voters by a 2-1 margin.
Future improvements will add even more convenience to daily support services and maintain current levels of programming, collections, and patrons’ access to materials. We’ll also be replacing aging carpeting, repairing our geothermal HVAC system, updating the outdoor metal window trim, and installing new Ethernet cabling.
Below, we've collected some quick facts about the millage and our future roadmap. Reach out if you have any questions.
Taxes, Funding, Accountability
When will this hit property tax bills?
Our current millage expires in mid-2027, so the new rates should likely appear on Summer 2027 property tax statements.
Are these funds strictly for the library?
Yes. The library operates independently of the City’s general fund and municipal budget, so everything approved by voters goes to the library.
Where can we track spending updates?
The library board reviews and accepts itemized expenditures and finance reports during regular monthly meetings. Financial documents and approved board minutes that include these budget updates are available on our website.
What happens if projects cost less than estimated?
It depends on which budget account they fall under. For capital projects (the majority), any remaining funds stay in the capital fund as an assigned fund for their specific purpose—there is no transfer from capital to operations. We will monitor project costs throughout the year and reflect lower-than-expected costs through midyear and year-end budget amendments, including updating the budget (which will be available online) to match these revised cost estimates.
Does the Headlee Amendment factor in?
It’s already built into the “newly reset” taxable value/rate framework. The Headlee Amendment caps annual increases, limiting how much the library can levy over time relative to the rise in taxable property values.
Will these newly reset rates experience fractional rollbacks in future years if Ferndale home values continue to rise?
Yes. If taxable values continue to increase, the system will still apply the Headlee-related limitation mechanisms, which can result in fractional rollbacks in future years—potentially starting as early as the first year after rates are reset (2027-2028).
How will residents’ concerns be handled during implementation?
There will be monthly updates on the website under Board Reports, along with separate financial reporting for both millages (operational and capital). We will also periodically update a current projects page throughout 2027–2028 to share projected timelines. (Stay tuned). We will provide follow-up as updates are published, but residents can also submit questions via email: info@fadl.org
Distribution of Funding
Will the library be able to post a clear “what’s happening when” schedule, and will it be updated as plans change?
Yes. Later in the autumn of 2026, we’ll post a project timeline on our website with regular updates, including start dates and progress notes as work shifts. For projects that can be done while the building is open (like some HVAC work), we’ll give advance notice—especially where noise will be significant. For longer-term work, we’ll update residents as contractor schedules are confirmed and as changes occur, in line with our purchasing process and quote requirements.
What projects will the library focus on?
Repairing our HVAC, replacing our carpeting, replacing outdoor metal window trim, and updating our Ethernet cabling are our four biggest priorities.
What is the project timeline (which will happen first and in what order)?
Patrons can stay tuned to our socials and website, where we’ll share the exact order and expected timeline as projects progress.
How will you prioritize capital projects if everything can’t be done at once?
We’ll prioritize the public’s access to the building as we plot our timeline, while following all safety and code/health requirements. In early September, the Director and the Board’s Building Committee will meet to develop a phased timeline to complete the four highest priorities incrementally (carpeting, HVAC, Ethernet, siding). Where possible, we will partially complete HVAC and Ethernet without closing the building. Again, we will prioritize uninterrupted public access, but there will be a point when we must close to complete work that requires access to the subfloor and ground (including carpet, cabling, and HVAC components).
The exact date and time of this brief closure will be determined soon and announced on our website and social media. Since our service desks are attached to the subfloor, construction crews will need to remove and reposition them. During the closure window, HVAC work will be completed, followed by installation of new Ethernet cabling for faster internet, and then new carpeting.
Will the operations millage lead to new/more collections, items, or digital perks?
The passage of the operations millage means collections budgets will remain steady, so the number of new items added monthly will continue unabated. This also means the volume of digital downloads allowed for cardholders will remain at its current level.
Notably, the library will now be able to issue digital cards to patrons who sign up remotely; patrons will also receive physical cards by mail ASAP. The library will also look into offering a library app that allows patrons to browse and place holds more quickly and conveniently.
Staffing / Programs
Will the renewed operating funds impact staffing in any way?
We will be able to maintain current staffing levels and do not anticipate significant changes either up or down.
Will the library hours change during repairs or upgrades?
What’s known now is that we will be replacing the carpeting later in 2027, and that, at this time, we can confirm it will require a brief closure. Stay tuned for further details regarding updates to our HVAC. Installing new Ethernet cabling may temporarily make some public computers inaccessible.
Will there be more/new programs?
Programming librarians consistently develop new programs and events that are responsive to community needs, so you can always anticipate something new and interesting on the events calendar, season to season. The best thing about the millage passing is that there will be no reduction in the frequency or scope of our programming.
Any other new plans?
- Reference librarians will offer scheduled computer assistance hours, available by reservation.
- Youth Librarians will add an extra session of the popular Baby Storytime program in response to requests from our patrons.
- We’ll expand Community Engagement Sessions, including opportunities for patrons to meet staff and ask questions.
Outreach programming will also grow, with additional programs/events to be announced.
Stay tuned to this page for more updates.