Voters in most of Muskegon County, including Montague, will decide Tuesday, Aug. 5 whether to renew the Muskegon Area District Library millage rate at a slight increase. It is the only item on Tuesday's ballots.
Whitehall voters are not included in the election, as the White Lake Community Library is not part of MADL.
The ballot language says the millage rate being sought is no more than 1.5143 mills, or $1.5143 per $1,000 of taxable value. All taxable property in the library district would be included, and ballot language indicates an estimate of $6.3 million in revenue being generated in the next fiscal year if the millage is approved.
The requested rate is 0.3 mills higher than the expiring rate of 1.2143 mills, which itself is down from the previously approved 1.249 mills due to Headlee amendment rollbacks. Headlee rollbacks ensure total property taxes charged to residents do not rise faster than inflation.
MADL said on an informational website that it is seeking a slight increase due to anticipated rises in the cost of services, anticipated additional services to be provided, and potential future Headlee rollbacks. According to the district, 90% of the services it provides are funded by the millage.
