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 May 1, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa County Parks and Open Space Millage to Appear on August and November Ballots
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners has approved ballot language to place two Parks and Open Space millage questions before voters in 2026.
The Board’s action follows two work sessions and a public hearing held during its April 30 meeting, which advances the unanimous recommendation made earlier this year by the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission.
The Parks Commission’s recommendation included a 0.53-mill, 10-year Parks and Open Space millage, reflecting community input and priorities outlined in the 2026 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan, and intended to support ongoing operations and long-term planning.
Voters will consider two separate ballot questions:
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A renewal and restoration of the existing 0.33-mill Parks and Open Space millage for ten years on the August 4, 2026 ballot.
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A proposed additional 0.20-mill increase for ten years on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Parks and Open Space millage funding has historically been the primary source of funding for Ottawa County Parks, supporting the operation, maintenance, and improvement of parks and natural areas.
If both ballot measures are approved by voters, the combined millage rate would total 0.53 mills for the following 10 years (2027-2036).
“The Board’s action gives residents the opportunity to vote on the future of Ottawa County Parks,” said Parks Director Jason Shamblin. “Our focus moving ahead is ensuring the community has clear, accurate information as they consider the proposals in August and November.”
Millage investment is calculated based on a property’s taxable value, which can vary. Residents can visit miOttawa.org/taxes to view a personalized estimate for their property.
More information about the proposed Parks and Open Space millage is available at miOttawa.org/parks-millage
Official Ballot Language (Approved April 30, 2026)
August Election Ballot Language
Ottawa County Parks and Open Space Renewal and Restoration
For 10 years beginning with the tax assessments in December of 2027 and ending with the assessments in December of 2036, shall the total taxable property rate limitation in Ottawa County under Section 6 of Article IX of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 of 0.33 mills, reduced to 0.3100 mills, be increased and restored under the Headlee Amendment to the original amount of 0.33 mills (33 cents per thousand dollars of taxable value) for the purpose of acquiring, improving, operating, maintaining, restoring, and protecting parks, open space, trails, greenways, water access sites, recreational facilities, and related conservation and educational activities in Ottawa County. This is a renewal and Headlee restoration of an existing but expiring (2026) and rolled back millage and if approved and levied in its entirety, this millage would raise an estimated $6,209,330 in the first calendar year after its approval (2027).
November Election Ballot Language
Ottawa County Parks and Open Space Millage Increase
For 10 years beginning with the tax assessments in December of 2027 and ending with the assessments in December of 2036, shall the total taxable property rate limitation in Ottawa County under Section 6 of Article IX of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, be increased up to the amount of 0.20 mills (20 cents per thousand dollars of taxable value) as an increase to the renewed 0.33 mill authorization for the purpose of acquiring, improving, operating, maintaining, restoring, and protecting parks, open space, trails, greenways, water access sites, recreational facilities, and related conservation and educational activities in Ottawa County and if approved and levied in full, this millage will raise an estimated $3,763,230 in the first calendar year it is levied (2027).
Media Contact:
Rylie Dorman, Communications Specialist
(616) 994-4774
rdorman@miottawa.org
Photos available: Dropbox link
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