MADL Millage Vote Set for August 5 – What you need to know.

Overview: What’s a Millage and Why Does MADL Need One?

A millage is a property tax rate approved by local voters, calculated per $1,000 of taxable value (SEV) of property. The Muskegon Area District Library (MADL)’s current operational millage—first approved in 2016—expires at the end of 2025, and provides about 90% of the library’s operating budget (madl.org).

Important Date: Election Day is Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Voters in Muskegon County will decide on the MADL millage proposal on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. This vote will determine the future of the library’s funding for the next 10 years.

The Proposal: Renewal + Increase

The ballot proposal asks voters to approve:

• An annual levy of 1.5143 mills (or $1.5143 per $1,000 of SEV), broken into:
  • 1.2143 mills as a renewal of the current rate
  • 0.30 mills as a new, additional increase
• The authorization would last 10 years, from 2026 through 2035

Expected first-year revenue is approximately $6.3 million, with a small portion potentially captured by other entities such as land banks or brownfield redevelopment authorities.

Costs to Taxpayers

Here’s what the proposed millage would cost homeowners:

MADL notes that this is less than the monthly cost of many subscription services, on average.

Why the Increase?

• Headlee Rollbacks gradually reduce approved millage rates when property values grow faster than inflation, which can reduce library revenues.
• The additional 0.30 mills would help MADL keep up with rising costs, maintain operations, and expand services.

What’s Been Achieved with Current Millage Support

Since 2016, MADL has used millage funds to:

• Renovate several branches
• Build a new Laketon Township Branch
• Reintroduce Bookmobile service
• Create the Library of Things (tools, games, equipment available to borrow)
• Expand digital access, literacy programs, and youth services like Storyville and Camp MADL

Consequences of a No Vote

If the millage fails in August:

• MADL would lose about 90% of its operating revenue
• Most services, branch operations, and programs would face cuts or elimination
• While a fallback renewal-only proposal could be placed on the November 2025 ballot, it would not include the 0.30 mill increase and could result in a $1 million budget shortfall

If It Passes

• All MADL locations stay open with maintained or expanded hours
• Continued programming for kids, families, and adults
• Sustained access to digital tools (Libby, Hoopla, etc.)
• Long-term financial stability through 2035

Official Ballot Language (Excerpt)

“Shall the Muskegon Area District Library … be authorized to levy annually an amount not to exceed 1.5143 mills … of which 1.2143 mills is a renewal … and 0.30 mill is new additional millage … for a period of ten (10) years … for the purpose of providing funds for all district library purposes authorized by law?”

Summary and Considerations

• Election Day: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
• Impact: Renew and modestly expand library funding through 2035
• Cost: ~$151/year for a home with $100,000 SEV
• Library Reliance: 90% of MADL’s budget comes from millage funds

This vote will shape the future of public library services in Muskegon County for the next decade. For more information or to estimate your household’s cost, visit madl.org/2025-millage.

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