Special elections for millage renewals will be held on May 7 in both Adrian and Morenci. 

Adrian District Library: City of Adrian residents will vote on the renewal of the operating millage that funds the Adrian District Library. 

The measure is not a new tax, but a renewal of the library’s existing 2.5-mill levy, which was enacted by voters in 2015. The millage has been rolled back slightly over the last nine years as a result of Michigan’s Headlee Amendment, and is now at 2.4817 mills. The May ballot will ask voters to restore the full 2.5 mills.

For the owner of a house valued at $150,000, a 2.5-mill levy represents $187.50 per year. (The number is $218.75 for a home valued at $175,000, or $75 for a home valued at $60,000.)

The millage brings in about $1.2 million per year. Money that is not needed for the library’s day-to-day operations is used to fund  periodic upgrades to the library building. Over the past 10 years, those projects have included a new roof, new flooring in the computer area, replacing aging furniture, and most recently, the renovation of the youth services area and teen lounge.

Susan Nichols, who is chairing the renewal committee, said the library offers “something for everyone in the community,” including homeschool parents, families looking for wholesome children’s activities, residents working on genealogy, business owners looking for community information, job seekers who need internet access, people who want to participate in interesting and informative programs, and of course readers of all ages. 

“It is not financially funded by the city,” Nichols said. “Without the millage passing, Adrian residents will lose this precious resource for their businesses and their families.”

The Adrian District Library’s service area consists of the city of Adrian.

Adrian Public Schools: The Adrian school district is asking voters to approve a 10-year renewal of its non-homestead operating levy. The millage, which is not levied on people’s primary residences, brings in about $4.7 million per year, which is about 10.4% of the district’s annual operating budget.

“It’s a very important part of our overall funding,” Superintendent Nate Parker said.

Under the state’s school funding system, a portion of every district’s funding comes from this local property tax, which is levied on commercial and industrial properties, second homes, and rental homes

State law requires voters to periodically renew this millage in order for districts to be fully funded. If voters in a district reject the millage, the state will not make up the difference.

Morenci Area Schools: The Morenci school district is asking voters to approve a three-year renewal of its non-homestead operating millage. The levy millage brings in about $937,000, which is about 12% of the district’s annual operating revenue. 

Superintendent Jennifer Ellis said the district used to put the renewal on the ballot every year, but with the cost of elections going up it made sense to ask for a multi-year renewal. With this being the district’s first time proposing a multi-year renewal, Ellis said the school board felt three years was a good starting point.

Morenci’s non-homestead operating millage brings in about $937,000, which is about 12% of the district’s annual operating revenue. 

“The funding generated from the non-homestead millage is essential for district operations,” Ellis said.

Where to vote: The elections for the Adrian District Library and Adrian Public Schools will take place at the Lenawee County Fair and Event Grounds, 602 N. Dean St. 

Voting in Morenci will be at Morenci City Hall, 118 Orchard St.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 7.