Howell Recreation surveyed Howell residents in 2022 and found that a majority of residents wanted improvements to existing local recreation resources and updates to current parks and trail systems.

We prioritize healthy connections for all ages by offering engaging programs, activities, and youth development that fosters skill-building, leadership, and social interactions. We focus on providing Howell a place where all can play, grow, and belong now and for future generations.

With the Howell Recreation millage we will provide more accessible recreational opportunities that promote physical and mental health and enhance community well-being. We will be maintaining and improving recreational facilities and programs for residents of all ages. The millage aims to improve economic benefits by attracting residents and visitors alike to the area through recreational amenities, boosting local businesses, and creating job opportunities in the recreation field.

Howell Recreation is seeking a 0.5 mil. This means that each household would pay 50 cents for each $1,000 of taxable value.

If the millage is approved, a resident whose home has a taxable value of $150,000 would be assessed approximately 21 cents per day or $75 per year.

The millage will last for 5 years with the option for renewal.

Programs and recreation services in Howell will continue to stay affordable, especially for youth and seniors. We’ll also be able to improve many community assets like renovating the tennis courts at the Bennett Recreation Center (potentially adding lining for Pickleball) and the track at Page Field which are in need of maintenance and repairs currently unattainable with our existing funding.

It also provides us the opportunity to partner with your municipalities to bring new recreation developments in the future.

Strong local recreation opportunities create a stronger Howell.‍ ‍

Keeps recreation funding in Howell:

Livingston County is a commuter county. Keeping local recreation opportunities affordable and accessible for all keeps money in our community as opposed to people traveling to other communities to spend their money. Keeping money in Howell also benefits other local businesses and boosts the value of our community.

Increased property values:

Recreation boosts local property values. A review of 33 studies suggests a home value premium of 8% to 10% for properties adjacent to a passive park. Nearly 75% of prospective home buyers say that proximity to a park or local recreational opportunity is a key factor in the location of their future home. (1)(2)

Income from surrounding areas:

Howell Recreation hosts large events like the Howell Melon Festival and Legend of Sleepy Howell that bring thousands of out-of-town residents to the Howell area. In 2023, these two events brought over 58,000 people to our community, resulting in a boost in the local economy and strengthening our local businesses, stores, and restaurants.

PLAY - Keeping community programs and recreational opportunities affordable for all:

• 15% reduction in fees for ALL residents

• Residents ages 75 & older will receive a FREE membership to the Oceola Community Center and Howell Senior Center

GROW - Improvements to local recreation infrastructure:

• Critical upgrades to the Bennett Rec Center tennis courts

• Renovations to Page Athletic Field Track

• Enhancements to parks, trails, and facilities

BELONG - Providing spaces for community connection:

• Adaptive recreation

• Inclusive fitness classes

• Sensory-friendly events

• Additional hobby and skill-building programs

• New programs to bring our community together

Howell Recreation currently receives $124K from each of the five municipalities who participate in our services. These municipalities are the City of Howell, Genoa Township, Howell Township, Marion Township, and Oceola Township. This is only 39% of our current $1.6M dollar budget; the rest of which is generated by program revenues, sponsorships, and grants.

If approved, the current municipality contributions would remain in their municipal budgets and the millage would replace that funding model. This change in funding is needed so we can provide necessary improvements within our community while keeping programs and activities affordable.

Absolutely! Community input is crucial in determining how millage funds are allocated. You can provide suggestions and feedback through community meetings, surveys, or by contacting Howell Recreation directly.

Click to email Howell Recreation (parksandrec@howellrecreation.org)

If the millage doesn't pass, Howell Recreation will be forced to reduce hours, raise prices, and ultimately reduce our program offerings.

The 5 municipalities who opt into the Recreation Authority will also have to vote whether they will continue to participate. If a municipality chooses not to return to the Recreation Authority, their residents will be considered Non-Residents and subject to higher service prices.

For a chart detailing what happens if the millage passes or fails, click here.

You can stay informed through various channels including:

· Our website and social media channels.

· Attending community meetings and events.

·‍ ‍Signing up for our email newsletter.

· Engaging with local media outlets for news and updates on recreational activities and projects.

There are several ways you can get involved:

• Connect with other local supporters. Contact connect@recforall.org

• Volunteer for events or recreational programs.

• Attend community meetings and provide feedback on millage initiatives.

• Spread awareness about the millage and its benefits to friends, family, and neighbors.

• Participate in fundraising efforts or donate to support specific recreational projects.

• Share your story with us!

HOWELL AREA PARKS AND RECREATION AUTHORITY MILLAGE PROPOSAL

NOVEMBER 5, 2024, ELECTION

Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be levied against all taxable real and personal property in the City of Howell, and the portions of Genoa Township, Howell Township, Marion Township and Oceola Township which are contained in the Howell Public School District, Livingston County be increased by 0.5 mill ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value) for a period of five (5) years, with the tax levy beginning 12/01/2024, and with the tax levy ending 12/01/2028 for the purpose of funding the Howell Park and Recreation Authority’s ability to acquire, construct, operate, maintain, and improve public recreation centers, public auditoriums, public conference center, and public parks and such other related purposes as authorized by Section 11 of the Recreation Authority Act 321 of 2000, as amended, that being MCL 123.1135 and 123.1141, which millage, if approved and levied, will raise in the first year of levy an estimated $1,600,000.00 across all portions of the five (5) tax levy jurisdictions that make up the Howell School District.

YES _____?

NO ______?

This millage will generate estimated revenues for the Howell Park and Recreation Authority of approximately $1,600,000.00 in the first year of levy. The funds raised from this millage will be dedicated solely to the enhancement and maintenance of public parks, recreation facilities, centers, and programs within the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority jurisdiction.

If approved, this millage will commence on 12/01/2024 and conclude on 12/01/2028 providing essential financial support to enhance the quality of recreational amenities and maintain operational standards for the community.

Voting "YES" approves the levy of the millage.

Voting "NO" rejects the levy of the millage.

This proposal is presented by the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority.

Absentee Voting:
Absentee ballots are available as early as September 27, 2024

Early Voting:
October 26th - November 3rd

Day of Election:
Nov 5th - Polls open 7am-8pm

Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center to register to vote online. You can register at any time up to 8 p.m. on Election Day at your city or township clerk’s office.

If you’re registering another way, your voter registration application must be received or postmarked at least 15 days before the election. Individuals may also register in-person at their local clerk’s office through November 5, 2024, with the required documentation.

For assistance in obtaining the address of your local clerk, visit Michigan.gov/vote.

Yes, if you rent a house, you can still vote. However, you need to be a registered voter in the city or township you live in.

If a voter is not on the permanent ballot list, voters must submit an application for an absentee voter ballot before a ballot can be sent by your City or Township Clerk. Applications are available from your City or Township Clerk or online.

Michigan voters now have the right to cast a ballot early and in person at an Early Voting Site before Election Day. The early in-person voting is nine (9) full days prior to every major election, including the weekends.

Early Voting Sites will be operating across Livingston County in each City or Township. Voters must vote in the Early Voting Site of their City or Township where they are registered to vote.

Listed below are the City or Township Early Voting Sites and the daily hours that each site is open for early voting. The dates for early voting are from Saturday, October 26th, 2024 through Sunday, November 3rd, 2024.

You can also look up your absent voter information, Early Voting Site information, and your Election Day polling location online.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024, is election day, but absentee voting can occur leading up to that date. All registered voters may cast an absentee voter ballot by mail.

Voters may also cast a ballot at the polling location established by their city/township. If you have questions or do not know where you vote, please contact your city/township office. Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

If you are unsure of your polling location, click here for an online search of where you can vote based on your name and zip code or driver’s license: mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index. You may also contact your local city or township office.

The Howell Recreation millage only applies to residents of The City of Howell, Genoa Township, Howell Township, Marion Township, and Oceola Township who are also in the Howell School district. If you are not, you will not be able to vote on the proposal.