04/10/2026
Dear Columbia Township Resident
On May 5th, 2026, the voters of Columbia Charter Township will be asked to cast their ballot on various topics. The most important of these topics will be the continued funding to support the operations of the Columbia Charter Township Police and Fire Departments. The ballots initiatives include the following:
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FIRE PROTECTION MILLAGE RENEWAL
Shall the previous moted increase in the tax limitation imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution on general ad valorem taxes with Columbia Charter Township be renewed at .4286 mil($0.4286 per $1,000 of taxable value) for the period of 2027 through 2031 inclusive for fire protection; and shall the Township levy such renewal in millage for said purpose, thereby raising in the first year an estimate $251,772.00.
POLICE PROTECTION MILLAGE RENEWAL
Shall the previous moted increase in the tax limitation imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution on general ad valorem taxes with Columbia Charter Township be renewed at .8577 mil($0.8577 per $1,000 of taxable value) for the period of 2027 through 2031 inclusive for fire protection; and shall the Township levy such renewal in millage for said purpose, thereby raising in the first year an estimate $503,837.00.
FIRE DEPARTMENT ADDITIONAL OPERATION MILLAGE PROPOSAL
Shall Columbia Charter Township, Jackson County, Michigan, impose a new millage on taxable property in the township, at the amount not to exceed .4214 mills ($0.4214 per $1,000 of taxable value), for the period of seven (7) years, beginning with the 2027 Winter tax bill and ending the 2033 Winter tax bill, inclusive, as an additional millage, to provide funds to the Fire Department for operating expenses of the department? It is estimated that.4214 mills would raise approximately $247,542 when first levied in December 2027.
POLICE DEPARTMENT ADDIIONTAL OPERATION MILLAGE PROPOSAL
Shall Columbia Charter Township, Jackson County, Michigan, impose a new millage on taxable property in the township, at the amount not to exceed .2423 mills ($0.2423 per $1,000 of taxable value), for the period of seven (7) years, beginning with the 2027 Winter tax bill and ending the 2033 Winter tax bill, inclusive, as an additional millage, to provide funds to the Fire Department for operating expenses of the department? It is estimated that .2423 mills would raise approximately $142,334.00 when first levied in December 2027.
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The current operating millages (Police and Fire) have been in place for decades. While these millages have helped fund dedicated emergency services for the citizens of Columbia Charter Township they have not been quite enough to cover costs for both departments providing services which include 24/7/365 police and fire protection. The renewal initiatives will continue the funding of well-trained and properly equipped professional police and fire departments to serve the needs of the citizens and their most critical times.
The additional operational millage proposals will aid in closing the gap because of the Headlee amendment and continued reductions in state revenue sharing felt within this township and acriss the entire state. Additionally, a sharp increase in operational expenditures such as fuel, equipment, training, insurance, and labor have affected the funding of emergency services and the dollar does not go as far as it once did.
Columbia Charter Township continues to be frugal with the taxpayer dollars and responsibly budgets for the needs of the citizens of this township.
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Q.) Why does the Township need four millages for Police and Fire operations?
A.) 2 proposals residence are being asked to vote on as renewals of current operating millages that have been in place for many decades. The addition 2 millages are requests for additional funding for both departments to ensure dedicated local funding without the township general fund continuing to subsidize both departments year after year.
Q.) If the Township general fund no longer needs to subside Police and Fire Budgets, what will happen to that money?
A.) If both Police and Fire can operate their departments each year, without having to rely on the general fund to make up the difference in their expenses over revenue, the addition money in the general fund can be designated each year, specifically for police and fire necessary equipment purchases. Currently the township designates funds each year to both departments. However, the dollar amounts year after year have become smaller as the ability of the general fund has decreased as a result in the reduction in revenue sharing and increase of operating expenses (fuel, equipment, training, etc.).
Q.) What exactly will this additional funding pay for?
A.) The funding generated because of these proposals will ensure that both Police and Fire can continue to operate 24/7/365 as the citizens of Columbia Charter Township have grown accustomed to.
Q.) How much will the additional millages cost each year on my taxes?
A.) 1 Mill - $$1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value. The Police Department will need an additional .243 mills, or $.243 per $1,000 of taxable value. If the taxable value of your house is $100,000 and the additional police millage is approved by voters, you would pay $24.23 per year to ensure round-the-clock police coverage in our community.
The Fire Department is seeking an additional .4214 mills, or $.4214 per $1,000 of taxable value. Again, if the taxable value of your home is $100,000 and the additional fire millage is approved by voters, you would pay an additional $42.14 per year for fire coverage in the township.
Combined that would total of $66.37 more per year to protect the citizens of Columbia Charter Township.
Jay Niles, Chief of Police
