What’s on the ballot
LANSING — On Nov. 3, Lansing voters will decide two city questions that shape local funding for public safety and roads and establish whether residents can form a citizens’ board to study health care in the city.
The first measure is a restoration of the city’s essential services millage. The proposal mirrors one approved by voters in 2021 and would allow Lansing to levy up to 20 mills — the statutory maximum for cities of this size under Michigan law — although officials say the practical effect, if approved, would be a continuation of current tax rates.
How the millage works and what it would mean
City officials explain the measure as a renewal that addresses reductions triggered by Michigan’s Headlee rollback process, which periodically reduces millage levies based on assessed values and other factors. Lansing currently levies 19.44 mills for general operations. That total includes:
- 4 mills dedicated to police, fire and roads;
- a separate, voter-approved 1 mill for parks and recreation services.
The city says it has never raised the operational levy above 19.44 mills, including the parks mill. Ballot language notes that if the city used the full 20 mills allowed — an increase of 0.78 mills — it would represent roughly $2.6 million in additional levy capacity. Officials stress that the proposal is a restoration rather than an immediate tax hike and that the actual tax rate for residents would remain unchanged if the measure passes.
| Item | Current amount (mills) |
|---|---|
| Total operating levy | 19.44 |
| Dedicated to police, fire and roads | 4 |
| Parks and recreation (separate) | 1 |
| Statutory maximum | 20 |
“This will allow for us to continue to spend the dollars that they have asked us to spend in the past on public safety through our police and fire and fixing more roads,” the mayor said, urging voters to support the restoration without any increase.
Why the question matters to city services and workers
Local leaders frame the millage restoration as protection against incremental erosion of voter-approved service funding caused by the Headlee adjustments. The concern is practical: over time, reductions in the levy base could reduce the effective dollars available for the four-mill public safety and roads portion unless the restoration is in place.
For municipal workers and first responders, the measure would preserve the existing financing structure that supports police, fire and road maintenance budgets. City officials say they do not plan to raise the operational millage during the current administration, and the measure is intended to maintain — not expand — the resources voters already approved.
Second question: a citizens’ healthcare board
The second ballot question stems from an effort by Michigan Community Action, which submitted more than 7,000 signatures from Lansing residents to force a citywide vote. If the charter change is approved, the city charter would be amended to permit the creation of a local citizens’ healthcare board tasked with studying health care issues facing Lansing and advising policymakers.
Supporters say a local board could provide focused attention on health disparities, access and policy options tailored to Lansing. Opponents and questions from some city officials will likely center on the board’s authority, funding and how its recommendations would translate into city action.
What voters should consider
Voters should review the ballot language and understand the distinction between restoring levy authority and imposing a new tax. The city’s presentation frames the millage question as preserving the ability to collect funds at previously voter-approved levels so that services such as police, fire and roads do not lose purchasing power over time as Headlee adjustments occur.
- Approval of the millage restoration would not immediately increase taxes, city officials say.
- The healthcare board question would amend the city charter to permit a new advisory body focused on local health policy.
- Both measures have direct implications for budgeting priorities and how residents’ concerns — public safety, roads, parks and health — are studied and funded.
Ballots will be cast Nov. 3. Voters who want more detail should consult the official ballot language and the city’s explanatory material before casting a decision at the polls.
