Farmington Library Director Explains DDA, Brownfield Language on Millage Question

More than one resident has asked director Tina Theeke about the last paragraph of the library millage question on today's ballot.

At the bottom of the request to , is this paragraph: "A portion of the revenue collected may be subject to capture by the City of Farmington Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the City of Farmington Hills Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, as provided by law."

Theeke said the language is mandated by state property tax law. Both authorities capture some tax revenues within their boundaries to fund improvements in downtown Farmington (DDA) and environmental clean-up in both cities (BRA).

The capture is not new, Theeke said, only the requirement to put the language on the ballot. Both are out of the library's control.

Theeke said the total capture last year was $26,822 with the Farmington authorities, and about $17,000 with the Farmington Hills brownfield authority. The library's total budget was $6.5 million.

Because the downtown of the library is located within the Farmington DDA district, Theeke said, it stands to benefit from improvements made with the captured dollars.

Other local millages also have small portions captured by the DDA and brownfield authorities, she added.