Oakland County Zoological Authority — Renewal of Oakland County Zoological Authority Millage in Support of the Detroit Zoo

What it does

In 2008 and 2016, pursuant to Public Act 49 of 2008, Oakland County voters renewed a 10-year property tax millage to fund zoological services through the Oakland County Zoological Authority, supporting animal care for more than 2,000 animals and 200 species, educational and senior programs, and facility maintenance at the Detroit Zoo. To continue providing these services, the Authority seeks to renew and restore the millage to the original voter-approved rate of 0.10 mill (10 cents per $1,000 of taxable value). This proposal would renew the millage at 0.0927 mill and restore the remaining 0.0073 mill that was reduced due to required rollback, for a total authorized rate of 0.10 mill on taxable real and personal property for ten (10) years. If approved, the millage rate would be unchanged from those approved by voters in 2008 and 2016. Funds will be disbursed to the Authority and transferred to the Detroit Zoo as permitted by law. All funds are subject to annual independent audits. It is estimated that $8,831,012 will be collected in the first year. Ballot Question: Do you approve the renewal and restoration of the levy of 0.10 mill on all taxable property in Oakland County for a period of ten (10) years, from 2028 through 2037?

A YES vote means

Oakland County would renew and restore a 0.10 mill tax (10 cents per $1,000 of taxable value) for ten years, 2028 through 2037, for the Detroit Zoo through the Zoological Authority, raising about $8,831,012 the first year.

A NO vote means

The Oakland County zoo millage would not be renewed for 2028 through 2037.

Needed to pass

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Left–right lean

Not a left–right issue: a procedural or local question that liberals and conservatives don't typically split on (AI read of the official ballot summary).

The YES and NO lines are SpectrumVote's plain-language reading of the official text above; the official text is what you vote on.

Official text: source

Next elections here

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Also on Oakland County ballots

• Southeast Michigan Public Historical Museum Authority Millage Proposal (Oakland County)

All Oakland County races and measures →

Quick answers

What does a YES vote on Oakland County Zoological Authority mean?

Oakland County would renew and restore a 0.10 mill tax (10 cents per $1,000 of taxable value) for ten years, 2028 through 2037, for the Detroit Zoo through the Zoological Authority, raising about $8,831,012 the first year.

What does a NO vote on Oakland County Zoological Authority mean?

The Oakland County zoo millage would not be renewed for 2028 through 2037.

How many votes does Oakland County Zoological Authority need to pass?

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Should I vote yes or no on Oakland County Zoological Authority?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

When is the vote?

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.