2026 Fire & Emergency Services
Millage Renewal Information
Ballot Proposal Language
Fire and Emergency Services Millage Renewal
Shall the previous voted increase in the tax limitation imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Hamlin Township of 1 mill ($1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value), reduced to 0.9308 mills ($0.09388 per $1,000 of taxable value), and levied for six years, 2026-2032 inclusive, for operating, equipment and purchasing emergency medical and fire protection services, raising an estimated $102,000 in 2026.
Fire and Emergency Services Millage Renewal
Shall the previous voted increase in the tax limitation imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Hamlin Township of 1 mill ($1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value), reduced to 0.9308 mills ($0.09388 per $1,000 of taxable value), and levied for six years, 2026-2032 inclusive, for operating, equipment and purchasing emergency medical and fire protection services, raising an estimated $102,000 in 2026.
Fire and Emergency Services Millage renewal will appear on the
August 4, 2026 Ballot
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Fire & Emergency Services Millage Renewal Information
Hamlin Township Fire Department proudly serves our community with fire protection, emergency medical response, rescue services, and safety education. Our firefighters live, work, and respond right here in the community—protecting lives and property day and night. This brochure explains the Fire and Emergency Services Millage Renewal and how it helps support the services your fire department provides. |
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This is a continuation of what you’re already paying.
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Services offered by HTFD at
NO ADDITIONAL COST to residents The Fire & Emergency Services Millage helps fund fire department operations and supports these services for residents. 🚑 Emergency Medical & Rescue
🔥Fire & Hazard Response
🔥 Burning Permits
🏡 Community Safety & Prevention
Providing reliable emergency response and safety education for our community.
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how does the milage support the fire department?
The Fire and Emergency Services Millage funds the operating budget of the Hamlin Township Fire Department.
Millage funding supports the day-to-day operation of the department, including:
✔ Firefighter response payroll
✔ Equipment and apparatus maintenance
✔ Fuel and utilities
✔ Firefighter training and certifications
✔ Safety equipment and protective gear
✔ General operating expenses
The millage ensures the department has the resources necessary to maintain reliable emergency services for the community
Millage funding supports the day-to-day operation of the department, including:
✔ Firefighter response payroll
✔ Equipment and apparatus maintenance
✔ Fuel and utilities
✔ Firefighter training and certifications
✔ Safety equipment and protective gear
✔ General operating expenses
The millage ensures the department has the resources necessary to maintain reliable emergency services for the community
why does the fire department need this milage?
This millage provides funding to support the daily operations and ensures we can continue protecting our community.
• Insurance Ratings – Property insurance rates are influenced by fire department equipment, water supply for firefighting, and emergency response capability. We currently maintain an ISO rating of 5/5Y.
• Firefighter Safety – Providing firefighters with the proper tools, protective gear, and equipment is critical for safe and effective emergency response.
• Reliable Equipment – Fire apparatus and equipment require regular maintenance to remain safe and dependable, ensuring firefighters can respond and operate efficiently.
• Insurance Ratings – Property insurance rates are influenced by fire department equipment, water supply for firefighting, and emergency response capability. We currently maintain an ISO rating of 5/5Y.
• Firefighter Safety – Providing firefighters with the proper tools, protective gear, and equipment is critical for safe and effective emergency response.
• Reliable Equipment – Fire apparatus and equipment require regular maintenance to remain safe and dependable, ensuring firefighters can respond and operate efficiently.
what if the milage does not pass?
The Fire Department will only be able to maintain it's current operations for about 2-3 year without a renewal.
Why doesn't the fire department apply for grants?
Hamlin Township Fire Department regularly applies for grants to help fund equipment upgrades and additional needs. Grants are not guaranteed funding, even when the need exits. Hamlin Fire has successfully received several grants that have helped improve equipment and support the level of service provided to the community.
How many people are on duty at the station?
Hamlin Fire is a fully part-paid department and does not maintain full-time staffing at the station. Personnel respond from home or work when dispatched. At times, firefighters may be present at the station during peak periods, severe weather, or while using the facility for training, studying, or fitness.
How will this millage renewal impact my property taxes, and what exactly will the funds be used for?
This is a renewal of an existing millage, not a new tax. That means if approved, it will continue the current level of funding rather than increase it beyond what voters have already authorized. The exact impact on individual tax bills may vary slightly based on property values, but this proposal is intended to maintain, not expand, the current tax rate.
Funds from the millage are used to support the day-to-day operations of the fire department, including firefighter staffing, training, equipment maintenance, fuel, and emergency response readiness. While this renewal does not include the purchase of new apparatus, it helps ensure that the department can continue providing reliable, timely fire and EMS services to the community.
Funds from the millage are used to support the day-to-day operations of the fire department, including firefighter staffing, training, equipment maintenance, fuel, and emergency response readiness. While this renewal does not include the purchase of new apparatus, it helps ensure that the department can continue providing reliable, timely fire and EMS services to the community.
