(Source: MIRS.news, Published 10/27/2023) More than 200 local ordinances, property tax hikes, and bonding proposals are up for a vote on Nov. 7 worth a combined total of more than $2.7 billion. In addition, three municipalities are asking voters to adopt ranked-choice voting.
The bulk of the total, according to the MIRS local ballot proposal spreadsheet, comes from the bonding issues, which are more than $2.5 billion. The largest is a $340 million bond request for Forest Hills Public Schools in Kent County. Grand Rapids Public Schools is also asking for a $305 million bond.
Of the 175 local ballot proposals asking voters for more money, roughly 50% (88) are school requests. Nineteen are for roads, 17 for fire, 11 for police, 9 for libraries and 9 for general operations.
Local ballot proposals asking for an increase to property taxes totaled more than $9.7 million, with the largest ask coming from Gladwin County, which is looking to raise nearly $1.8 million for the county sheriff.
The ballots asking for residents to keep going with the current property taxes totaled more than $124.5 million. Kent County District Library would get more than $26.6 million if the 15-year 1.1 millage request passes.
Many cities and schools were looking to claw-back nearly $56.9 million in property taxes lost to the Headlee Amendment. Ludington School District was looking to get back more than $19.1 million.
Lakeview Public Schools in Macomb County had a unique approach to the Headlee Amendment tax loss, asking for a preemptive 3 mills for 20 years that could be used to make up any losses. The school would have an effective millage rate of 18 mills, but if any of that revenue were lost it could call in those mills to make it up.
Ranked-choice voting has been talked about at the Capitol, but East Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Royal Oak are putting the initiative before its voters. It would create a waiting ordinance that would allow for the practice if the Legislature passed a law allowing it to happen. Royal Oak was unique, because the city would also use it to select the mayor and city council members.
Marijuana continues to be a big issue in the state, with five cities asking residents if they want to start participating in the adult-use recreational market by allowing businesses to set up shop.
Local control over solar was taking center stage on ballot proposals in Montrose Township in Genesee County and Keene Township in Ionia County. Keene Township tried and failed previously to ban solar in the municipality.
In Green Charter Township, in Mecosta County where a battle over the Gotion Inc battery plant has been waged, there is a ballot proposal that would create a planning commission for the township.
