On Aug. 4, Brandon Township voters will decide whether to renew a dedicated police-services property tax that would allow the township to levy up to 4.25 mills for eight years. The proposal is meant to cover police protection costs from 2027 through 2035 and is estimated to pull in about $3.52 million in its first year.
Ballot Language And The Big Numbers
The question on the ballot asks: "Shall the Charter Township of Brandon be authorized to levy up to 4.25 mills for a period of eight (8) years, 2027 through 2035, inclusive, to finance police protection services?" As detailed by the Oakland County Times, voter approval would allow a tax of up to $4.25 per $1,000 of taxable value and is estimated to authorize up to $3,521,190 in the first year. A full list of August ballot proposals and election details is available on the Oakland County Clerk’s website.
What That Means For Taxpayers
A levy of 4.25 mills equals $4.25 per $1,000 of taxable value. In real-world terms, a property with a taxable value of $100,000 would see a bill of about $425 a year if the full millage is applied. Taxable value is not the same as market value, so individual bills will differ from what homes might sell for. The Brandon Township treasurer’s office breaks down local millage rates and payment procedures on the township site, according to Brandon Township.
Why Officials Want The Renewal
The township contracts with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office for patrols and community policing, with deputies working out of an Ortonville substation, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. This renewal would keep that contract funded, covering patrols, staffing, equipment, and day-to-day operating costs. The proposal would continue a levy first authorized in December 2018, as noted by the Oakland County Times.
How To Weigh In And Where To Look It Up
The measure will appear on the Aug. 4 primary ballot. Voters looking for information on absentee voting, polling locations, or the exact ballot wording can head to the Oakland County Clerk’s election pages. Residents can also contact the township treasurer’s office for details on assessments, tax statements, and how the millage would show up on individual bills. If voters sign off, the levy would first appear on the December 2027 tax roll and would remain in place through 2035, according to the ballot language.
