Election FAQs

Why is the Library on the ballot on August 4?
- One of the Library’s two operating millages expired in December of 2025. The proposal on the August 4, 2026 ballot is to renew that millage with a slight increase. Last year this millage rate was .2352 mills. This year the Library is requesting .3000 mills, an increase of .0648 mills.
- These funds will cover operating expenses such as staff salaries, the purchase of materials, programming costs, supplies, utilities and building maintenance.
How will the new millage rate affect my taxes?
- The amount paid in taxes to support the Library depends on the value of your property. For example:
  - If your home is valued at $300,000, you will see an increase of $9.72 per year.
  - If your home is valued at $600,000, you will see an increase of $19.44 per year.
  - If your home is valued at $1,000,000, you will see an increase of $32.40 per year.
What happens if this renewal is not approved by voters?
- The Library’s total operating income will be reduced by approximately $332,000. This represents about 53% of the total operating income.

How long will the new rate be in effect?
- The requested millage is for a period of 10 years.
What is the exact language I will see on my ballot?
- Shall the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library, County of Allegan, be authorized to levy a millage annually in an amount not to exceed .30 mill ($.30 per each $1,000 of taxable value), of which .2352 mill is a renewal of the previously authorized millage rate that expired in 2025 and .0648 mill is new additional millage, against all taxable property within the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library district for a period of ten (10) years, 2026 through 2035, inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for all district library purposes authorized by law? The estimate of the revenue the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library will collect in the first year of levy (2026) if the millage is approved and levied by the Library is approximately $332,000.