Northville Township, MI
Home MenuNorthville Township Millage Renewal FAQ
What is on the August 4 ballot?
Northville Township voters will be asked to renew the Township's existing Operating Millage, Public Safety Millage, and Parks, Senior and Youth Services Millage. These millages provide funding for essential Township services, including public safety, parks and recreation, senior and youth programs, and the Township operations that residents rely on every day.
Is this a tax increase?
No.
This proposal is a renewal of the existing millages that Northville Township residents already pay. The purpose of the proposal is to continue funding for the services residents currently receive and depend on.
Is this a new tax?
No.
This is not a new tax. It is a renewal of voter-approved millages that are scheduled to expire. Michigan law requires voter approval to continue the millages.
Why is the Township asking voters to approve this renewal?
The current millages are expiring. Without voter approval, the Township would lose an important source of funding used to support public safety, community services and Township operations.
This proposal allows the Township to continue providing the services residents expect while maintaining financial stability.
What services do these millages support?
These millages support the essential services that contribute to Northville Township's safety, quality of life and day-to-day operations, including:
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Police protection
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Fire and EMS services
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Parks and recreation programs
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Senior services
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Youth Network programs
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Township administration and operations
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Planning and community development services
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Public service functions that support residents, businesses, and property owners
What do "Township operations" include?
Township operations are the everyday functions that residents often don't see but depend on regularly.
These services help ensure that Northville Township remains safe, well-managed, financially responsible, and responsive to residents and businesses.
Township operations include administrative services, financial management, planning and zoning functions, elections administration, property and records management, customer service, and the staff and resources needed to deliver Township services efficiently.
How is the millage revenue allocated?
The proposed millage renewals consist of:
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Public Safety: 6.3447 mills
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Parks, Senior and Youth Services: 0.7452 mills
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General Operations: 0.1155 mills
Public safety represents the largest portion of the allocation, helping ensure strong police, fire, and emergency medical services throughout the Township.
Will this proposal fund new programs or government expansion?
No.
Township officials have stated that the proposal is intended to maintain current service levels and continue funding the services residents rely upon today.
How long is the renewal for?
If approved, the millages would be authorized for eight years (2027-2034 inclusive).
What happens if the millage is approved?
The Township will continue providing the services residents currently receive and expect, including public safety, parks and recreation, senior and youth programs, and the Township operations necessary to serve the community effectively.
What happens if the millage is not approved?
Without voter approval, the Township would lose funding that supports a wide range of community services, including public safety, parks and recreation, senior and youth programs, and the day-to-day operations necessary to effectively serve residents and maintain Northville Township's quality of life.
Township officials would need to consider budget reductions, service adjustments and/or alternative funding sources.
Why can't the Township simply use reserve funds?
The Township’s limited reserve funds are intended for emergencies, economic downturns and unexpected expenses. They are not designed to support ongoing operating expenses year after year.
Using reserves to replace recurring revenue would not be a viable long-term solution.
How is the Township held accountable for the use of millage funds?
Township finances are reviewed through the annual budgeting process, public board meetings, independent audits and financial reporting requirements.
These processes help ensure transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer dollars.
What is the most important thing voters should know about this proposal?
This proposal is a renewal of existing funding—not a new tax.
The renewal helps maintain the full range of services residents rely on every day, including police, fire and EMS services, parks and recreation, senior and youth programs, and the Township operations that keep Northville Township running effectively.