Farmington Hills Residents Prepare for Critical Vote on Road Millage Renewal

Farmington Hills Residents to Vote on Road Millage Renewal

Farmington Hills is buzzing with anticipation as the November elections approach, bringing with them an important decision for local residents. They will be voting on whether to extend a special road millage that supports the maintenance and repair of the city’s roads. This millage, approved by voters in 2014, is crucial for keeping Farmington Hills’ roads safe and well-maintained.

The current millage, set at 2 mills, is due to expire this year, which means that residents have a decision to make on November 5. If they choose to renew the millage, it would begin collecting funds in July 2025 and would last for a period of 10 years. For those unfamiliar with how it works, this means that for every $1,000 of a home’s taxable value, homeowners would pay $2. The average taxable value of a home in Farmington Hills is around $120,000, leading to an estimated annual cost of about $240 for the average homeowner.

Getting into the nitty-gritty, it’s essential for residents to know what happens with that money. According to Jacob Rushlow, the Director of Public Services for Farmington Hills, this millage generates around $9 million annually. “These funds are a lifeline for our maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of our road network,” he explained. The money has been put to good use already this year, with notable projects that include improvements in areas like the Farmington Freeway Industrial Park and various local streets.

What’s Next for Farmington Hills Roads?

Looking ahead, there are several exciting road improvement projects on the horizon if the millage is renewed. Upcoming work is planned for major roads, such as Nine Mile Road and Halstead Road, as well as various subdivisions. While the specific start dates are still being determined, residents can feel confident that their feedback is taken seriously in planning these improvements.

Rushlow pointed out that the city uses the Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating (PASER) system to assess road conditions, with a scale from 1 to 10. As of now, Farmington Hills averages a score of 5.3, which indicates a fair condition overall. “About 40% of our roads are in poor condition, and a little over 20% are considered good,” Rushlow stated, shedding light on the ongoing need for these funds.

A Resident’s Perspective

Community member Eric Gould shared his thoughts on the millage, stating how, after witnessing recent road repairs in his neighborhood, he firmly believes in the initiative. “I was in favor of it last time, and based on what we’ve seen, I still support it. It’s something we really need,” Gould conveyed. It’s heartening for residents like Gould to see tangible improvements and reap the benefits of the work done.

Rushlow emphasized that the city plans to continue updating its five-year capital improvement plan continuously to ensure that the roads are in proper condition and efficiently funded. “We’re committed to improving safety for everyone, from pedestrians to drivers. Good roads also mean less wear and tear on vehicles, making Farmington Hills a more desirable place to live and work,” he stated, reinforcing the value of the proposed millage.

Get Involved

If you’d like to learn more about the millage proposal, mark your calendar for the Farmington Hills Citywide Open House, happening on October 5 from noon to 3 p.m. at City Hall. It’s a fantastic opportunity for residents to ask questions and get more information about how this millage will impact their community and roads.

In conclusion, the upcoming vote on the road millage is not just a financial decision; it’s about paving the way for a better community for all residents. With the millage supporting vital road repairs and improvements, voters will have a chance to actively shape the future of their local infrastructure.