Washtenaw county voters to weigh in on key proposals, millages 

Charlie Trumbull

Staff Writer

As Washtenaw County prepares for the Nov. 5, 2024 general election, voters will face an array of proposals on the ballot, including critical measures to fund emergency services, support veterans and enhance community mental health resources. Understanding what will be on the ballot is crucial in knowing the extent of your vote. 

“Millage” is a term used in property tax that refers to the amount of tax payable per $1,000 of assessed property value. It is often expressed in mills and are commonly used to fund local services and projects. 

A proposal is broader than a millage. These can include a variety of requests for voter approval, such as renewals of existing taxes, changes in local laws, or amendments to charters. Proposals outline what the funding of a millage will be used for, such as education, infrastructure, or public safety. 

Washtenaw County proposals

Prop 1 seeks to renew and restore a millage for the Enhanced Emergency Communications System. It would increase the tax by 0.200 mil for ten years (2026-2035). It’s aimed at funding upgrades and maintenance of the communication system. 

Prop 2 focuses on the renewal of the Veteran’s Relief Millage, increasing taxes by 0.100 mill for eight years (2024-2031). It aims to provide financial relief and services to veterans in Washtenaw County. 

Prop 3 is a new millage for Older Persons Services, proposing to levy up to 0.5000 mills for eight years (2024-2031) to fund activities and services for residents aged 60 and older.

Prop 4 seeks to renew and restore the Community Mental Health and Public Safety Preservations Millage, increasing taxes by 1.000 mill for eight years (2023-2033). It aims to support mental health services and law enforcement. 

City of Ann Arbor proposals

Prop A: Establishment of a Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) to provide renewable energy services. This will allow the city to supply energy-related services without imposing new taxes. 

Prop B: Authorization of a tax up to 1.10 mills for park maintenance and capital improvements for 2025-2044, replacing a previously authorized tax. 

Prop C: Amendments to allow non-partisan elections for city offices, removing party designations from ballots. 

Prop D: Creation of a Fair Elections Fund, allocating three-tenths of one percent of the city’s general fund for public financing of candidates who adhere to specific contribution limits. 

What else? 

Lincoln Consolidated School District, Milan Area Schools and Whitmore Lake Public Schools put forth proposals to create sinking funds for their districts’ various school needs. A sinking fund is a financial strategy used by governments and schools to set aside money over time for a specific purpose and allows for gradual accumulation of funds. 

The Washtenaw Intermediate School District has a proposal to renew their special education millage which has a 2.3826 mill rate for special education funding for twelve years (2026-2037). 

Manchester, Lodi, and Freedom Townships have proposals focusing on raising taxes to fund road maintenance. As well, Lodi Township is letting voters decide if specific marijuana establishments should be allowed within the township. 

As voters gear up to make their voices heard this November, understanding the implications of each ballot measure is just as important as voting for presidential candidates. Decisions made at the polls will not only influence funding but also the quality of life in Washtenaw County for years to come. 

For more detailed information on the official list of proposals on the general election ballot, voters can visit www.washtenaw.org. 

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