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Michigan › Oakland County › Renewal of Oakland County Zoological Authority Millage in Support of the Detroit Zoo

Renewal of Oakland County Zoological Authority Millage in Support of the Detroit Zoo

Oakland County Zoological Authority · Oakland County · on the November 3, 2026 ballot in Addison Township, Auburn Hills City, Berkley City, Birmingham City, Bloomfield Hills City, Bloomfield Township, Brandon Township, Clarkston City, Clawson City, Commerce Township and 41 more.

Renewal of Oakland County Zoological Authority Millage in Support of the Detroit Zoo

Millage Renewal with Increase0.1 mills10 years (2028–2037)est. $8,831,012/yr

Renews the Detroit Zoo operating millage first approved in 2008 (0.10 mill, 2028–2037) for animal care, education and senior programs, and facility maintenance. Includes a small Headlee restoration back to the original 0.10 mill.

Cost to you: About $10/year on a $200,000 home (campaign estimate).

YESA YES vote continues the existing levy of 0.1 mills for 10 years — generally no increase over what you pay now, plus the restored or added amount described.
NOA NO vote lets the current millage expire; the service it funds would need cuts or other revenue.
Official ballot language

In 2008 and 2016, pursuant to Public Act 49 of 2008, Oakland County voters renewed a 10-year property tax millage to fund zoological services through the Oakland County Zoological Authority, supporting animal care for more than 2,000 animals and 200 species, educational and senior programs, and facility maintenance at the Detroit Zoo. To continue providing these services, the Authority seeks to renew and restore the millage to the original voter-approved rate of 0.10 mill (10 cents per $1,000 of taxable value). This proposal would renew the millage at 0.0927 mill and restore the remaining 0.0073 mill that was reduced due to required rollback, for a total authorized rate of 0.10 mill on taxable real and personal property for ten (10) years. If approved, the millage rate would be unchanged from those approved by voters in 2008 and 2016. Funds will be disbursed to the Authority and transferred to the Detroit Zoo as permitted by law. All funds are subject to annual independent audits. It is estimated that $8,831,012 will be collected in the first year. Ballot Question: Do you approve the renewal and restoration of the levy of 0.10 mill on all taxable property in Oakland County for a period of ten (10) years, from 2028 through 2037?

How we grade proposals

Plain-English summaries and the YES/NO explanations are ours; the ballot language above is the official text from the Michigan Secretary of State sample ballot. Confirm with your clerk if anything differs on your ballot.

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