Farmington Library Seeks Millage Renewal on November Ballot

While they're "a little ahead of the game," the Farmington Community Library will ask voters to renew the 1998 millage this fall, rather than next year, when it expires, director Tina Theeke said.

Voters go to the polls Nov. 8.

The renewal will hold steady the millage already in place, she added. Voters originally approved a .6 mill levy 13 years ago. Funds have been used to renovate the branch and expand and operate the in Farmington Hills.

The millage has been rolled back under the state's Headlee amendment, to .5856 mills. That will be the amount on the ballot, Theeke said.

The 1998 millage expires in 2012. But given today's economic climate, library officials felt it would be prudent to talk with voters early, she explained.

"We want to be sure that we've planned best if this doesn't pass," Theeke said.

According to a fact sheet produced by the library, the impact on property owners won't change. A home with a taxable value of $85,000 ($170,000 market value) will be assessed $49.77 annually.

The millage provides 37 percent of the library's overall budget; in addition, a 1 mill levy provides funding from both Farmington and Farmington Hills. If the millage renewal fails, library officials would have to cut $2.1 million, after budget reductions of $1.2 million in 2010 and $500,000 this year.

Theeke said the library board first started feeling the economic pinch in 2009, when salaries were frozen. Even with the renewal, declining property values will likely lead to additional budget cuts in the future.

"The whole issue with this is there is no increase," Theeke said.

In addition to circulating materials, the library offers a homework help program, class and entertainment offerings year-round for all ages, literacy and English as a second language programs and resources, outreach services to preschools, K-12 schools, homebound residents and seniors. Trained librarians are available at the library, as well as by phone, e-mail and on-line.

To learn more, visit farmlib.org