Library tax renewal vote proposed for February

By Lisa Brody

Bloomfield Township Public Library Director Tera Moon came before the township board of trustees on Monday, November 13, to discuss a library millage renewal proposal for the February presidential primary ballot.

Moon, along with library board president Dani Gilman, explained this millage is one of three library millages. It is a renewal of a millage first approved in 2014 for a 10-year period at the rate of .5047 mills. “The rate was a Headlee restoration and an increase to bring the library to two full mills as allowed by law,” Gilman explained, noting that this December will be the last payment for the existing millage.

Moon said the renewal request will keep the millage at the same rate of .5047 mills for another 10-year period, 2024-2033, inclusive. Moon said it is estimated that this millage will raise $2.5 million in 2024, which amounts to 27 percent of the library's total revenues.

“Losing that revenue would require significant cuts to current library services and would make it difficult to accomplish the goals of our strategic plan, including refurbishing spaces throughout the library,” Moon said.

Moon and Gilman both emphasized the important role the library plays in the community, with a collection of more than 300,000 items.

“The library serves a unique role in the Bloomfield Township community. Not only is it a place where residents can access a collection of over 300,000 books, movies, CDs, and more, it is also a place where families can attend free, high-quality entertainment and educational programs. It is the one spot in the community where residents of all ages can study, work, and connect with one another in a safe, welcoming environment,” Moon said. “Residents flock to the library during widespread power outages, and now the library serves as an early voting site. During the April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023 fiscal year alone, more than 191,000 people visited the library, approximately 615,000 items were checked out, and the library held 618 programs, which more than 16,000 people enjoyed.”

“It is truly a community center,” said Gilman.

The millage renewal proposal, to be placed on the Tuesday, February 27, ballot, reads: “Shall the Charter Township of Bloomfield, Oakland County, Michigan, be authorized to levy a renewal of the previously voted increase in the tax limitation, which expires in 2023, in an amount not to exceed .5047 mill ($0.5047 on each $1,000 of taxable value), against all taxable property within the Township for a period of ten (10) years, 2024 to 2033 inclusive, for the purpose of operating, maintaining, and equipping the Bloomfield Township Public Library and for all other library purposes authorized by law? The estimate of the revenue the Township will collect in the first year of levy (2024) if the millage is approved is approximately $2,500,000. The revenue from this millage levy will be disbursed to the Bloomfield Township Public Library.”