Library Millage Details
Details and Questions
What is on the August 4th, 2026 Ballot?
The library is asking voters to approve two proposals:
1. Operations Millage
2016 originally approved rate: 3.5 mills
Current effective rate (as of 2026): 2.81 mills
Additional funding proposed: 0.50 mill
New rate would be: 3.31 mills ($3.31 per $1,000 taxable value)
Duration: 10 years (2027–2036)
Purpose: Maintain all daily operations, staff, collections, programs, and digital resources
Estimated first-year revenue: ~$3.4 million
Full ballot language:
Proposing a total mil rate of 3.31 to fund daily operations: collections, programs, staff, supplies
Shall the Ferndale Area District Library, County of Oakland, State of Michigan, be authorized to levy a millage annually in an amount not to exceed 3.31 mills ($3.31 per each $1,000 of taxable value), of which 2.81 mills is a renewal of the previously authorized millage rate that expires in 2026 and an additional .50 mill, against all taxable property within the Ferndale Area District Library district for a period of ten (10) years, 2027 through 2036, inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for all district library purposes authorized by law? The estimate of the revenue the Ferndale Area District Library will collect in the first year of levy (2027) if the millage is approved and levied by the Library is approximately $3,400,000. By law, a portion of the revenue from the millage may be subject to capture by the City of Ferndale Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.
2. Capital Asset Millage
Rate: 0.50 mill ($0.50 per $1,000 taxable value)
Duration: 10 years (2027–2036)
Purpose: Fund repairs and upgrades to keep the building safe, accessible, and functional
Projects include: Geothermal HVAC, roof, siding, flooring, and network upgrades
Purpose: Maintaining accessibility of the building and protecting it against future unplanned emergencies that could require budget cuts to other areas, like programs and materials.
Estimated first-year revenue: ~$515,000
Full ballot language:
Longer-term projects, maintenance, and building upkeep
Shall the Ferndale Area District Library, County of Oakland, be authorized to levy a new additional millage annually in an amount not to exceed .50 mill ($0.50 per each $1,000 of taxable value), against all taxable property within the Ferndale Area District Library district for a period of ten (10) years, 2027 through 2036, inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for maintaining, improving, and updating the Library’s capital assets, including the building and its technology? Funds from this millage would be used for expenditures that increase the lifespan, accessibility, and value of library facilities and technology, including repairing or replacing the geothermal HVAC system (installed in 2011), roofing, siding, and flooring (installed in 2010), and updating the ethernet capacity (last updated in 2012). The estimate of the revenue the Ferndale Area District Library will collect in the first year of levy (2027) if the millage is approved and levied by the Library is approximately $515,000. By law, a portion of the revenue from the millage may be subject to capture by the City of Ferndale Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.
The new millage would cost the average Ferndale homeowner about $450/year. The current rate, set at 2.81 mills, comes to about $340/year. If approved, about 8 cents of every property tax dollar would go to the library.
Although the upcoming millage renewal may appear to be an increase, this proposal requests the same revenue that voters approved in 2016.
Why are there Library Millages on the ballot?
Library funding in Michigan comes from voter-approved property taxes, called millages. These taxes are authorized for a limited period, meaning the library must return to voters to renew funding after a certain number of years (usually 5-10).
The library’s previous millage (approved in 2016 at 3.5 mills by a 2-1 margin) expires in 2026. Due to Michigan’s Headlee Amendment, which prevents automatic increases in property tax revenue as property values rise, the effective rate has dropped to 2.81 mills, effectively reducing revenue even as the community grows.
FAQs
What happens if the Millages pass?
Maintain 7-day library access with a welcoming environment with interior and exterior upkeep.
Grow and expand programs, both on-site and off-site.
Preserve and expand offered collections, including digital and specialty resources, like growing foreign language materials and emerging resources like vinyl and STEM kits
Upgrade and maintain facilities and technology for comfort, safety, and accessibility
Faster, smoother digital access with upgraded Ethernet for steadier Wi-Fi, quicker websites, and easier mobile printing.
Digital borrowing access is maintained with Hoopla access and Kanopy tickets.
Youth engagement like adding YOTO players for free at-home stories, music, and learning.
Adding modern conveniences like credit card printing for easy, on-demand document access.
What happens if the Millages fail?
In short, without this funding, the library will be unable to maintain services or handle unexpected repairs while continuing to run its regular free programming/events for the public.
Reduced revenue limits flexibility and programming
Digital borrowing access reduced, impacting users of Kanopy (streaming movies) and Hoopla (audiobooks)
Canceling one-off programs
Operating hours may drop to six days/week if millage fails twice
Building repairs and upgrades may compete with daily operational needs
Financial reserves would shrink, reducing the ability to respond to emergencies
How does the Millage support our library?
Support of the two millage proposals on this year’s ballot allows the library to continue to strengthen, grow, and expand its robust and responsive services to the needs of Ferndale. Passing these two ballot measures can avert any risk of cutting programs, reducing access to digital materials, shortening hours, deferring repairs, or having to close for any extended period due to unforeseen building emergencies.
In 2016, Ferndale voters approved the library’s first dedicated operating millage, affirming its independent governance and community-supported funding. The measure passed by a wide margin, reflecting strong public support for the library’s role in the community.
Since that time, the library has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors, seen steady growth in library card sign-ups and circulation, and significantly expanded its free programs and events for the community.
From the money-saving benefits of a library card to free Wi-Fi throughout the building to the vast collection of digital resources available, this is a community resource worth protecting and strengthening.
The library relies on continued public support to keep serving everyone who depends on it.
What does the library do today?
Since 2016, the library has used voter-approved funding to:
Expand programming: 20 recurring programs per month and 60+ one-off events annually
Broaden collections: books, e-books, games, STEM kits, vinyl, seeds, and more
Improve access: open seven days a week, fine-free borrowing, stronger Wi-Fi
Partnerwith schools and local organizations for youth and community outreach
Launch digital initiatives: e-books, databases, research tools, and library podcasts
Usage Highlights (from 2025)
Physical visits: 122,053
Items circulated: 207,028
Public computer sessions: 86,376
Program attendance: 13,087
Library use has grown 400% since 2005, demonstrating that the library is not only used by a high portion of Ferndale’s population, but also consistently and for a variety of needs.
Election Day
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 – All eligible Ferndale voters can participate.
Find more information about elections and registration here: https://www.ferndalemi.gov/services/voting-in-ferndale
Your Library, Our Community
The Ferndale Area District Library is an independent, voter-supported district library. Governed by its own elected Board of Directors, it operates separately from the City of Ferndale. This independence allows the library to maintain, plan, and grow its programs while keeping core services strong.
Since becoming a district library in 2016, the library has expanded hours to seven days a week, strengthened staffing, grown collections and digital resources, and increased programming for all ages. Today, over 120,000 visitors use the library each year.
The library is a hub for learning, creativity, and community connection — open to everyone, every day.
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