By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Voters in Zeeland and the rest of Ottawa County will see two separate parks and open space millage ballot proposals later this year.
County commissioners last Thursday voted to put two proposals on the ballot – a renewal and restoration of the existing 0.33-mill parks and open space levy for the next 10 years on the Aug. 4 ballot, and a request for an additional 0.2-mill increase for 10 years on the Nov. 3 ballot.
The county Parks and Recreation Commission had recommended a 0.53-mill, 10-year levy, reflecting community input and priorities outlined in the county’s 2026 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, which is intended to support ongoing park operations and long-term planning.
“The board’s action gives residents the opportunity to vote on the future of Ottawa County Parks,” county Parks Director Jason Shamblin said. “Our focus moving ahead is ensuring the community has clear, accurate information as they consider the proposals in August and November.”
If both ballot measures are approved by voters, the combined millage rate would total 0.53 mills from 2027 to 2036.
Parks and open space millage funding has historically been the primary source of funding for Ottawa County parks, supporting the operation, maintenance, and improvement of parks and natural areas.
The current 10-year parks millage, which was last approved in August 2016 by more than a 2-to-1 margin, has been rolled back to 0.31 mills by the Headlee Amendment. The restored 0.33-mill levy would generate $6,209,330 in its first year. The 0.2-mill increase would generate an additional $3,763,230 in its first year, according to the ballot language.
Millage investment is calculated based on a property’s taxable value, which can vary. Residents can visit miOttawa.org/ taxes to view a personalized estimate for their property.
For more information about the proposed parks and open space millage, visit miOttawa.org/parks-millage.
Zeeland Record
Voters in Zeeland and the rest of Ottawa County will see two separate parks and open space millage ballot proposals later this year.
County commissioners last Thursday voted to put two proposals on the ballot – a renewal and restoration of the existing 0.33-mill parks and open space levy for the next 10 years on the Aug. 4 ballot, and a request for an additional 0.2-mill increase for 10 years on the Nov. 3 ballot.
The county Parks and Recreation Commission had recommended a 0.53-mill, 10-year levy, reflecting community input and priorities outlined in the county’s 2026 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, which is intended to support ongoing park operations and long-term planning.
“The board’s action gives residents the opportunity to vote on the future of Ottawa County Parks,” county Parks Director Jason Shamblin said. “Our focus moving ahead is ensuring the community has clear, accurate information as they consider the proposals in August and November.”
If both ballot measures are approved by voters, the combined millage rate would total 0.53 mills from 2027 to 2036.
Parks and open space millage funding has historically been the primary source of funding for Ottawa County parks, supporting the operation, maintenance, and improvement of parks and natural areas.
The current 10-year parks millage, which was last approved in August 2016 by more than a 2-to-1 margin, has been rolled back to 0.31 mills by the Headlee Amendment. The restored 0.33-mill levy would generate $6,209,330 in its first year. The 0.2-mill increase would generate an additional $3,763,230 in its first year, according to the ballot language.
Millage investment is calculated based on a property’s taxable value, which can vary. Residents can visit miOttawa.org/ taxes to view a personalized estimate for their property.
For more information about the proposed parks and open space millage, visit miOttawa.org/parks-millage.
