Question 1

What is the exact millage language, as voters will see on the ballot?

Accepted Answer

Shall the Frankenmuth James E. Wickson District Library, County of Saginaw, Michigan, be authorized to levy annually a new additional millage in an amount not to exceed .85mill ($0.85 per each $1000 of taxable value) against all taxable property within the Frankenmuth James E. Wickson District Library district for a period of twenty (20) years, 2026 through 2045, inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for all district library purposes authorized by law? The estimate of the revenue the Frankenmuth James E. Wickson District Library will collect if the millage is approved and levied by the Library in the first year (2026) is approximately $525,000.

Question 2

How will the money be used?

Accepted Answer

Like many public institutions, the library continues to experience rising costs related to materials, wages, operations, and necessary building maintenance and capital improvements.

The proposed millage revenue may be used to ensure the library can continue to maintain current service levels and resources to the Frankenmuth community both now and in the future.

Those interested can view the library's current and projected budgets here:

Those interested in learning more about the projected capital improvement plans for the library, can view the professional Reserve Study that was completed on behalf of the library by Michigan Reserve Associates, LLC.

Those interested in learning more in the library's Strategic Plan for 2026-2030 can view that document here.

Question 3

How much will this cost me personally?

Accepted Answer

Frankenmuth Wickson District Library is seeking an additional millage not to exceed .85 mill ($0.85 per each $1000 of taxable value) against all taxable property within the library district for a period of twenty (20) years.

The average resident will pay an estimated $11-14 per month.

Question 4

How much money do libraries comparable to FWDL receive from property taxes?

Accepted Answer

As of the time of this posting 4/29/2026, operating millages of a similar scope/location:

Bridgeport Public Library: 1.5mill
Bullard Sanford Memorial Library: 1.25mill
Caro District Library: 1.5mill
Fowlerville District Library: 1.5mill
Millington District Library: 1.0mill

Question 5

Are people still utilizing the library?

Accepted Answer

The Frankenmuth James E. Wickson District Library continues to experience growth in both cardholders and library usage year after year, averaging over 500 visitors per day.

According to the 2025 Annual Report, the library experienced an 11% increase in new cardholders, a 39% increase in program attendance, a 48% increase in home deliveries of books and library materials, 400 reservations for the Community Room, over 500 registered sessions for the library's private Study Rooms, and an 8% increase in the total volume of physical and digital items in our collections.

Question 6

How long will the millage last?

Accepted Answer

The proposed millage is for a period of twenty (20) years, 2026 through 2045.

Question 7

What if the millage does NOT pass?

Accepted Answer

If the additional millage does NOT pass, the Library Board would need to evaluate future budgets and may need to reduce programs, services, or hours, depending on available revenues and expenses.

Library Millage FAQs

Frequently asked questions