Election Day is August 2, 2022
The purpose of this renewed millage is to provide funds to pay for public library services to Crockery Township residents by the Spring Lake District Library for the next ten years, from 2024 through 2033. This is a renewal, not a tax increase.
What is on the ballot?
On Tuesday, August 2, 2022, voters in the Crockery Township service area will be asked to renew the expiring millage. The current millage expires at the end of 2023. This proposal is a renewal and not a tax increase.
Who will be voting on the millage?
Any registered voter who resides in Crockery Township.
What is the actual millage language on the ballot?
Shall the previously-voted increase in the Township of Crockery tax rate limitation, imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution, currently 0.4731 mill ($0.4731 per $1,000 of taxable value), be renewed and levied in the years 2024-2033, both inclusive, and shall an additional 0.0269 mill ($0.0269 per $1,000 of taxable value) be approved and levied to restore previous millage reductions under the “Headlee Amendment” since this millage was last approved, resulting in the levy of 0.50 mill ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value), subject to reduction as provided by law, on taxable property in the Township?
The purpose of this renewed millage levy is to provide funds to pay for public library services to Township residents by the Spring Lake District Library. It is estimated that a levy of 0.50 mills would provide revenue of $106,421 in the first calendar year, of which $5,725 would result from the additional 0.0269 mills. The revenues from this millage will be disbursed to Spring Lake District Library pursuant to a library services agreement with Crockery Township.
How much will the millage cost me?
If approved, the millage will renew at the rate of 0.5 mills and generate funds for library services for ten years. A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which is generally equal to half of the property’s market value. If the millage renews, an owner of a property with a taxable value of $100,000 ($200,000 market value) will continue to pay $50 per year towards support of library service.
Why does the library need money?
Public libraries in Michigan are primarily funded through local property tax millage. Approximately 80% of the library’s revenue comes from property taxes collected from Spring Lake Village, Spring Lake Township, and Crockery Township.
What other funding does the library receive?
The remaining 20% of library revenues come from state aid, penal fines, investment interest, donations and endowments, and grants.
What does the millage fund?
Resources including books, DVDs, e-books, audiobooks, magazines, online databases, nontraditional items, and Wifi hotspots.
Programs including storytimes, craft programs, and special presenters and authors.
Engagement in the community at schools, senior living facilities, and local events.
What happens if the millage passes?
Approval of the millage renewal ensures that Crockery Township residents can continue using the Spring Lake District Library at no additional cost for membership. Any Crockery Township resident can visit the Spring Lake District Library and get a card for free.
What happens if the millage fails?
If the millage fails, Crockery Township residents could continue to use the library with no additional cost until December 31, 2024. After that date, Crockery Township residents would need to apply for a Non-resident Library Card, for which the fee is currently $80 per year.
Do people still use the library?
Yes! Today, more than one-third of Crockery residents has a library card and the Spring Lake District Library has more than 10,000 cardholders. Last year, more than 50,000 people walked through our doors, and over 255,000 items were checked out.
Residents in Crockery Township with questions about the ballot proposal may contact Library Director Maggie McKeithan at mmckeithan@sllib.org.