Three library millage proposals on the ballot in Leland, Suttons Bay-Bingham, and the City of Traverse City were approved by voters in Tuesday night’s primary election.
Leland Township’s Library Millage Proposal was approved with 545 votes (69.96%) versus the 234 votes (30.04%) against it. The library board sought approval of an 8-year (2024 to 2031 inclusive), .40-mill request which will help fund operations, maintenance and equipment at the library. The estimate of the revenue the township will collect in the first year of levy (2024) is approximately $245,000.
Mark Morton, Leland Township Public Library Director, said they were thrilled with the outcome, and the approval of the millage will enable them to maintain a “wide variety of services for Leland Township residents and surrounding areas, meeting expectations for a modern, well-supported library.”
“The Library Board of Directors opted for a low-key campaign this election, as we requested the same millage rate and duration as eight years ago. They were confident in the community’s support for the library, and this overwhelming approval is very gratifying,” Morton said. “We are deeply grateful for the community’s continued support.”
There was also overwhelming support for the Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library renewal and restoration millage proposal. Approximately 742 votes (79.36%) were cast in favor to approve the millage, with 193 votes (20.64%) opposed. The 4-year (2024 through 2028) request for .50 mills will generate $308,396 when collected in December.
Voters also showed up to support the Traverse Area District Library Millage Proposal. Approximately 104 votes (71.23%) were cast in favor of the millage, with 42 votes (28.77%) against it. The organization sought approval for 1.1 mills for the next 10 years. The extra-voted millage is estimated to generate $8 million in revenue for library operations. By law, a portion of the millage may be dispersed to other governmental entities that capture property taxes within their jurisdictions. These entities include Grand Traverse County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Grand Traverse County Land Bank Authority, and the Leelanau County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.
Voters in the Traverse City Area Public School district, which includes portions of Leelanau County, approved a $180 million bond proposal, with approximately 1,200 votes (61.70%) in support, and 745 votes (38.30%) opposed. According to ballot language, the purpose of the proposal is for renovation and reconstruction of Traverse City Central Grade School, safety and security upgrades, facility improvements at all schools, technology upgrades, and bus replacements.
With the approval, it is estimated that the debt millage for the new and existing bond authorization will be 3.1 mills for a zero-net increase over the prior year’s levy. It is anticipated that the bonds will be issued in series. The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2025 is .67-mill the estimated simple annual millage required to retire this bond debt is .98 mills. By law expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries or other operating expenses.
