Sodus Township Library proposes first millage since 1970

SODUS, Mich. -- Sodus Township Library is turning the page, proposing their first millage since 1970.

Gina Edwards, Sodus Township Library Trustee says, “Our library has not requested a millage increase since ever, so we've been working on the same millage rate since about 1970, and just with the changing of the times, it's getting, our budget's getting really tight.”

If approved, Michigan voters' wallets will not feel huge impacts from the increased rate. The proposal cites the library would be allowed between $.45 to $.75 million through 2035, calculating to be 75 cents per $1,000 of taxable value according to Ballot Ready.

If the rate moves forward, it will spark new beginnings for this library. Edwards says, “If the millage passes, we're going to be joining the Eau Claire District Library. We will be the Sodas Branch, so our building will remain the same, but we will fall under their umbrella.” 

But the biggest concern as elections are underway, is the confusing verbiage on the ballot. Edwards says, “It is a new millage, and it is an additional millage, so people might think that it's additional to the current millage, but if the new millage passes, the existing millage won't be levied. So, it's not going to be. They're not going to be combined. It's going to be the new millage instead of the old millage.”

For book lovers, this rate may bring more books to the shelves. Edwards says, “Joining Eau Claire, it will be a combined collection, and they're going to be rotating books from location to location, and any of our patrons can request a book from Eau Claire that will be brought here, so they don't have to go there to pick it up.”