Information to consider before casting your ballot
Election Day is just around the corner. Please consider the information below about the Oakland County Parks millage request as you make your final decision.
Who We Are
Oakland County Parks (OCP) is a county government agency that operates accessible, welcoming and sustainable parks and public spaces, provides recreational opportunities and educational programs, preserves open space and stewards the environment to help build healthier, more resilient, connected communities in Oakland County.
We are funded through a voter-approved countywide millage and user fees from sales at our facilities. These funds are expended only for parks and recreation and managed separately from the county budget. Decisions regarding our budget, management and policies are made by our parks commission, a bi-partisan committee of citizens and elected officials, and are subject to review and oversight by county government officials.
Our core values include: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Health and Wellness; Environmental Sustainability and Natural Resources Stewardship; and Fiscal Responsibility and Organizational Excellence.
OCP’s Millage Proposal
Our proposal seeks voter approval to replace the current property tax of 0.35 mills that supports Oakland County Parks with a tax levy of 0.65 mills authorized for a 20-year period ending in 2043, generating an additional $24 million annually for a total budget of $52 million.
Why This is Needed
Funding will go toward:
- Major capital improvement projects, preventing facilities from becoming aged, outdated, underutilized and costly to operate
- Park revitalization and development partnerships with local communities to expand recreational opportunities closer to population centers and ensure all residents benefit from our services
- Maintenance and improvement of regional trailways and the development of water trails on major rivers
- Increased preservation and protection of threatened high quality natural areas and natural resource stewardship needs like invasive species management, wetlands restoration, tree planting and native plant distributions and nature-based educational programs for students
Park entry fees will also be eliminated for all OCP parks if the proposal is approved (excluding pay-per-play attractions like waterparks, golf, camping, off-roading, etc.)
How much will this cost?
The average value home in Oakland County has a sales value of $270,000 and a taxable value of $135,000. This homeowner is currently paying $48 a year to support Oakland County Parks. They would pay an additional $40 a year if the proposal is approved, with a total final cost of $88 a year. Use our millage proposal calculator to determine your cost.
To learn more
View the Oakland County Parks Millage Plan. On our millage webpage, you will also find other helpful resources, such as the ballot proposal language, a millage proposal calculator and informational materials.
If you have additional questions, please email us at info@OaklandCountyParks.com.
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