Millage

On August 4, 2026, Osceola County residents will be asked to consider a new MSU Extension millage. The request of up to 0.17 mills will provide continued funding for MSU Extension educational programming and services in Ionia County.

On August 4, 2026, Ionia County residents will be asked to consider a new Michigan State University Extension millage. The request of up to 0.17 mills will provide continued funding for MSU Extension educational programming and services in Ionia County.

FAQS

How much will the millage cost me?

The millage will cost the homeowner $0.17 on every $1,000.00 of taxable value of real and tangible personal property. For example, if you own a $100,000 home, you’ll invest $17 per year in taxes to support the educational programming MSU Extension provides for you, your family and your community.

What does a “yes” vote mean and what does a “no” vote mean?

A “yes” vote means that Ionia County residents will continue to fund MSU Extension programs in your communities.

A “no” vote means that there will be no county funding to match and secure the university’s investment in the century-long partnership that has brought 4-H and the family well-being, gardening, agriculture and environmental educational programs that have benefitted Ionia County.

What does Ionia County MSU Extension do for me?

MSU Extension programs can empower everyday family goals, improve business practices, support sustainable community building for you, your family and your community.

How does Ionia County funding for MSU Extension work?

MSU Extension is funded by a unique partnership with federal, state and county governments that combine resources to meet the needs of Michigan communities. The Ionia County government has asked their constituents to fund the county portion of the MSU Extension partnership by supporting the millage proposal on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

What does the ballot language say?

This millage will allow the County of Ionia, Michigan to levy the constitutional tax rate limitation on general ad valorem taxes of 0.1700 mills to provide funds for the Ionia County MSU Extension, including 4-H.

Shall the limitation upon the total amount of general ad valorem taxes imposed upon real and tangible personal property for all purposes in one year under the Michigan Constitution be increased for funding operations of MSU Extension services, including 4-H Youth Programs, in Ionia County, and levy for that purpose not more than 0.1700 mill (equal to $.17 on every $1,000.00 of taxable value of real and tangible personal property) for a period of four (4) years, 2027 through 2030, inclusive, for the purpose of providing operating funds to Ionia County MSU Extension, including 4-H Programs (approximately $ 397,281.00 in 2026)?

To the extent required by law, a portion of the millage (may be captured by the downtown development authorities for the cities of Belding, Ionia, and Portland, and the Village of Lyons’ and the City of Belding’s tax increment finance authorities.

How do I learn more about what MSU Extension offers me and my family?

You can learn about MSU Extension's impact by visiting our website's homepage, clicking on the 'See Extension in Action' page, or following us on Facebook (@MichiganStateExtension) and Instagram (@msu.extension).