Voters in Oakland and Wayne counties will vote on a 10-year millage proposal Nov. 3 that, if passed, would help sustain Detroit’s most-cherished historical institutions and ensure free admission for county residents.
What is the proposal called on the ballot?
Southeast Michigan Public Historical Museum Authority Millage Proposal
What is it asking for?
The “Yes to Our Story” campaign seeks to levy a 0.2 mill property tax in Oakland and Wayne counties over a 10-year period through 2035, in support of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit Historical Museum and Dossin Great Lakes Museum.
How much will it cost me?
The millage would cost residents in either county approximately $30 per $300,000 of taxable property value per year, for 10 years, if passed.
Where will the money go?
According to the ballot proposal, the tax would generate approximately $12.2 million from Wayne County and $17.7 million from Oakland County in 2026 in support of Detroit’s historical museums.
Over the life of the 10-year millage, the funding will be shared amongst the institutions and help pay for free admission for county residents, free tours and transportation for students and seniors, new curriculum for teachers, and the care of nearly 300,000 publicly-owned artifacts.
The ballot language in both counties also states that 15% of the revenue created from the millage would be disbursed in support of other historical museums in Oakland and Wayne, after “Authority administrative expenses.” Annual independent audits will provide details on how the money is being spent, according to the Yes to Our Story campaign.
Why the museums say they need the support
According to the Yes to Our Story campaign, both the Charles H Wright Museum and Detroit Historical Museum have “survived by drawing down their reserves for years.”
The proposed millage would make the Detroit institutions more sustainable and provide them with a more stable future year-to-year.
For more information about the proposal and the Yes to Our Story campaign, visit yestoourstory.com.
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