Ishpeming council previews 2.5‑mill library levy to send to voters

Ishpeming city staff presented draft language for a library operating millage that the council plans to send to the city’s electors, proposing a combined levy of 2.5 mills split into 2.1 mills for operations and 0.4 mills for capital improvements.

Randy, speaking for staff, said the city is preparing final language for the July meeting and asked the council for more time to review the details. He described the proposal as “the language we’ve been talking about,” and said the plan is to present a final draft at the next regular meeting. A council member asked whether the 0.4‑mill portion would be unallocated; Randy replied that it “would be allocated to the library.”

Council member Jason Chapman said the 2.5‑mill figure could decline if neighboring townships contribute funds, potentially bringing the city’s net rate down to roughly 2.0–1.8 mills. Another councillor explained that the revenue from a 2.5‑mill levy (roughly $400,000 in the council’s example) will “get reduced over time” and that renewals typically occur on a five– or six‑year cycle to maintain service levels.

Councilors also noted the payoff of an existing obligation on July 15, which they said will reduce the effective new millage the city needs to collect. No formal vote on the millage language was taken; staff will return with final text at the July meeting for further council action.

The council emphasized the importance of a unified public‑information campaign regardless of the final rate. The city did not provide a final ballot wording or exact revenue estimate at the meeting.