Residents urge six-year library millage; board certifies renewal language unanimously

Multiple residents urged the Bay County Board of Commissioners on July 14 to give voters the option of a six-year library millage renewal rather than a two-year renewal.

Mark Kaplinski said he previously served on the library board and urged the county to support the six-year renewal, recounting earlier millage failures and saying the staff and board worked diligently to regain community trust. "I applaud you and I encourage you to support it," Kaplinski said.

Keri Strobridge, who identified herself as a Bay County resident and library supporter, told commissioners that a six‑year millage allows library leadership to "budget responsibly, to negotiate contracts more effectively, and to pursue grants that often require long term financial commitments." Strobridge added that more than 860 new library cards had been issued recently, which she said reflects growing usage.

Barb Hanley Miller, a retired communications professor, urged the board to consider students and rural residents who rely on library internet access and programming, describing libraries as "the great equalizer" for residents without reliable home internet.

After public comment, corporation counsel presented the certification of the library millage renewal language for 2026. Commissioners spoke in support and thanked the public for participation. Chair called a roll-call vote to certify the language; the clerk recorded unanimous 'yes' votes from members present and the certification was approved.

The certification will allow the library millage question to proceed toward placement on the November ballot; the board made no further changes to the language during the meeting.