Supporting Waterford Township Public Safety
In order to maintain committed funding for the Waterford Township Police Department and return the millage to its first authorized rate, Police Millage #2 Renewal and Restoration will be on the ballot.
Police Millage #2, which was first passed by voters in 1986 and has since been renewed every 10 years, continues to supply crucial financing for police services that contribute to the community’s protection in Waterford Township.
What Makes This Renewal Important?
For almost forty years, Police Millage #2 has been a significant source of committed financing for the Waterford Township Police Department. In addition to maintaining this financing, the renewal would bring the millage rate back to the 1.5 mills that were initially authorized after reductions brought about by Headlee Amendment rollbacks.
The planned renewal and restoration would support the Township’s ongoing investments in public safety as well as the maintenance of vital police services and support staff.
What Police Millage #2 Supports
The Waterford Township Police Department’s daily operations and long-term requirements are supported by funding from Police Millage #2.
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
For every $1,000 of taxable value, a millage rate of 3.4 mills equals to roughly $3.40 in taxes.
Examples of projected yearly expenses based on taxable house value are shown below.
Expense Examples
Taxable Value: $200,000
Around $680 annually
Taxable Value: $300,000
Around $1,020 annually
In addition to enabling the Village to responsibly manage long-term financial responsibilities and continue providing residents with important services, the proposal aims to provide steady funding for public safety.
FAQ
Most Asked Questions
What does a millage mean?
A millage is a property tax rate used to fund local government services. One mill equals $1 in taxes for every $1,000 of taxable property value.
How much time would the millage last?
Over the next five years, the proposed millage would provide specific financing for police services.
Why is this idea under consideration right now?
The Village’s General Fund is under increasing financial strain due to rising personnel, pension, equipment, and operating expenses, making the current funding model challenging to maintain over the long run.
What would be supported by the funding?
Police employment, pension responsibilities, daily operations, officer training, emergency response services, and equipment and technology advancements would all be supported by funding.
Who approved the proposal's inclusion on the ballot?
On April 22, 2026, the Franklin Village Council voted 7–0 in favor of putting the initiative on the ballot for August 4, 2026.
Help in Preserving Franklin's Future
Preserving Franklin's Stability and Safety
The proposed millage is intended to support the ongoing provision of vital public safety services throughout the community while reducing the financial strain on the General Fund.
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