What is on the Ballot?

The Columbia Township Library is asking voters to renew the library’s existing millage of 1.0 for a period of seven years (2028 through 2034 inclusive). This ballot will also reestablish the library as a free public library under Michigan statue Act 1877 PA 164, section 10 MCL 397.210.

What is the Actual Ballot language?

Shall Columbia Township renew the previously voted increase in the tax limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution in the amount of 1.0 mill ($1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value), which has been reduced to 1 mill ($1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value) by the required millage rollback, for a period of seven years (2028 through 2034 inclusive), and levy the reduced millage for the purpose of reestablishing, operating, and maintaining township library services, raising an estimated $144,000.00 in the first year the millage is levied?

What is a millage?

A millage is a property tax rate. One mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value. For example, a 1.0 mill tax would cost $1 per $1,000 of taxable value each year.

How much will this millage cost?

To calculate your tax, find your property’s taxable value, divide the taxable value by 1,000 and then multiply that by 1.00. For homes with a taxable value of $120,000 the approximate cost would be $120 per year or $10 per month.

How long is the millage term?

The millage term is for seven years (7).  A multi-year term allows the library to better plan its budget, services, and operations over a predictable time frame, rather than returning to the ballot every year.

Who can vote on this proposal?

Voters who are registered in Columbia Township, Michigan. You will see this proposal on the August 4th, 2026, ballot.

What does the millage pay for?

This millage pays for day-to-day library operations such as books, staff, utilities and other library purposes as authorized by law.

Does the library receive funding from other sources?

The millage is our primary source of funding, providing around 83% of our entire budget. Remaining funds come from other revenue such as state aid, and penal fines. The library does receive donations and grants that do not typically cover operational expenditures.

What happens if the renewal passes?

If approved by voters, the library would continue to levy a 1.0 mill tax for the approved period. The Township Board would appoint six (6) members to establish a free public library under Act 1877 PA 164 Section 10 MCL 397.210, with a governing board that operates separately from the Columbia Township Board.  

What happens if the renewal fails?

Current funding expires at the end of 2027. Without a renewal the library would lose up to 83% of its funding, necessitating reductions in hours, staff, programs, materials, items and more. Without re-establishment the township board would then decide how library services would be provided going forward, which could include further changes in operations, funding, and governance.

What kind of traffic does the library get?

The library is used regularly by community members. Approximately 65% of residents are registered library users. Since 2018, circulation of materials has increased by 49%, program attendance has increased by 185%, and the number of programs offered has increased by 116%.

How does the library manage tax dollars?

Currently the Columbia Township Board, made up of five (5) members, oversees the library’s finances. The library budget is prepared and submitted to the Township board for approval. Throughout the fiscal year, the Board reviews expenditures at monthly meetings held in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

 If approved by voters the Township Board would appoint six members (6) from the Columbia Township area to serve on a separate library board, which would oversee library operations and finances.

What is the new Library Board?

Under MCL 397.10a, a township library operates under its own governing board. This board is responsible for overseeing library functions, including setting the budget, reviewing finances, and supporting library operations and maintenance.

If approved by voters, the Columbia Township Board would appoint an initial six (6) member library board. Appointed members must be residents of Columbia Township and may not serve on the Township Board or other township boards.

This appointed board would serve on a provisional basis until the next regular election, when a permanent six (6) member library board would be elected. Elected members would serve four-year terms (4).

What if I don’t use the library?

The library is public service funded through property taxes and available for all to use. In addition to lending materials, the library provides internet access, public computers, and space for community use. Programs for all ages are offered, and there is a community room that is available for reservation.   

Here’s a look at the impact that the Columbia Township Library had on the community in 2025!

·         The library was visited 11,097 times

·         Over 200 programs offered with attendance at those programs of 2,311 people.

·         13,522 books borrowed from the library

·         2,170 books borrowed from the Inter Library Loan System(s)

·         1,425 items borrowed digitally

·         Over 200 people participated in 2025 Summer Reading Program (with growth in 2026 already!)