Supporting Waterford Township Public Safety

The renewal of Police Operating Millage #2 will be on the ballot for the November 3, 2026 State General Election in Waterford Township.

Police Millage #2, which was first authorized by voters in 1986, provides specific financing for the Waterford Township Police Department’s operations, maintenance, and staffing.

Why Will Police Millage #2 Be Continued?

Since it was first authorized by voters in 1986, Police Millage #2 has given the Waterford Township Police Department dedicated funds. If the existing millage is not renewed, it is set to expire.

The proposed ballot initiative would extend Police Operating Millage #2 for 10 years, from 2026 to 2035, at the present rate of 1.3352 mills.

The Waterford Township Police Department would continue to receive dedicated funds for staffing, maintenance, and operations if the millage is approved.

What Police Millage #2 Supports

The first year’s revenue from the renewed millage is expected to be around $4.53 million if approved. The Waterford Township Police Department would be staffed, maintained, and run with the help of these funds.

Personnel

Currently, the Police Department has a budget for 64 full-time sworn officers that provide the community with law enforcement services.

Public Safety Activities

Patrol services, emergency response, investigations, traffic enforcement, and community policing initiatives are all supported by funding.

Personnel Expenses

The cost of people, including wages and benefits required to sustain professional police services, accounts for around 81% of the Police Department's budget.

Continuous Stability

In addition to ensuring ongoing public safety services for Township residents, dedicated millage income contributes to financial stability.

Understanding the Millage

Voters in Waterford Township first passed Police Operating Millage #2 in 1986, and it was most recently renewed in 2016.

After millage rollbacks required by the Headlee Amendment, the current permitted rate for 2026 is 1.3352 mills.

In the November 3, 2026 ballot proposal, voters are asked to decide whether to extend the current Police Operating Millage #2 at its current rate of 1.3352 mills for ten years, from 2026 to 2035.

How Does This Affect Homeowners?

The proposed restoration would likely boost the average Waterford Township homeowner’s income by:

Approximately $127.71 based on the Township’s typical home’s taxable value.

A Perspective on Police Staffing

The current budget for Waterford Township includes:

The current budget for Waterford Township provides for 0.914 police officers per 1,000 people.

Staffing levels and the continuous provision of vital public safety services are supported by Police Millage #2.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Police Millage #2?

Voters in Waterford Township first authorized Police Operating Millage #2, a dedicated police millage, in 1986. Voters have extended it over the years, and a 2nd renewal is planned for 2026.

Is this an additional tax?

No. The current Police Operating Millage #2 is to be renewed.

What is the use of the funds?

Police officers, patrol operations, emergency response, investigations, and other crucial public safety functions are supported by millage funds.

How much does it contribute to the Police Department's budget?

About 24% of the Police Department’s total budget comes from Police Millage #2.

What is the expected effect on homeowners?

Based on the average taxable valuation of a home in Waterford Township, the average homeowner’s annual increase is anticipated to be approximately $127.71.

Investing in Our Community's Safety

For many years, Police Millage #2 has provided assistance to the Waterford Township Police Department. Police Operating Millage #2 will be presented on the ballot for the State General Election on November 3, 2026. In addition to maintaining the level of public safety that locals trust on a daily basis, the proposed renewal would preserve dedicated financing for crucial police services.

Have Any Questions?

Please get in touch with us if you would like more details regarding Police Millage #2 Renewal. We are dedicated to provide locals honest information regarding the proposal.