Wayne council puts library millage renewal on Aug. 4 ballot to avoid special 2027 election

The Wayne City Council on April 7 approved a resolution to certify ballot language that will place a library millage renewal on the August 4, 2026 ballot.

Jody, representing the library, explained that voters first approved a one-mill library millage in August 2018 and that the city is asking voters to renew the existing rate (levied at 0.9638 mills) rather than increase it. "You are not voting tonight to approve the millage itself, just to put the question on the ballot," Jody said. Officials said the renewal avoids the need for a costly special election in 2027 when the current measure expires.

City officials told council the dedicated millage supports about 45% of the library's operating budget, has enabled expanded hours (from 31 to 50 hours per week) and a substantial growth in programs and visits. If approved by voters in August, the millage revenue would continue to be restricted to library uses only.

Council approved the certification by voice vote.

Next steps: the certified language will be submitted to the county for placement on the August 4 ballot; voters will decide whether to renew the millage.