2026 Veteran Services Millage Renewal
Don’t Forget to Vote August 4th
On the upcoming August 4th election, Livingston County residents will consider renewing an operational millage that would continue to support services for local veterans. The millage is estimated to generate just over $1.6 million annually, if levied in full, to provide support for veterans and their families in our community.
What Veteran Services Provides
The Veteran Services Program is committed to serving more than 12,000 veterans and their families residing in Livingston County. Key services include:
- Assistance with filing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability claims, veterans’ pension applications, burial benefits, and survivors’ benefits.
- Processing of Livingston County burial and funeral allowances.
- Case management and ongoing support for recipients of VA benefits.
- Financial assistance for indigent veterans and their dependents, including support for food, utilities, rent/mortgage assistance, and urgent home or vehicle repairs.
- Countywide non-medical transportation services, including rides for grocery shopping, employment-related transportation, banking, and participation in senior or recreational programs, as well as transportation to medical appointments within a 50-mile radius.
- Provision of Memorial Day flags and grave markers.
Areas Of Growing Need
The department has experienced increased requests for:
- Financial assistance for essentials such as food, gas, home repairs, and utility payments.
- Burial benefits and legacy planning resources.
About the Operational Millage
- If renewed, the 0.1117 millage levy would be collected by Livingston County from 2028 through 2033.
- For a home with a market value of $170,000, the annual cost would be approximately $10.
How Millage Funding Would Be Used
Funding from the millage would support:
- Maintaining nationally accredited Veteran Service Officers to provide comprehensive benefit advocacy.
- Continuing financial relief programs and increasing burial benefits.
- Increased outreach to veterans with a special focus on education for available benefits and assistance accessing them.
- Expansion of countywide non-medical transportation services.
- Maintenance of the department’s newly expanded facility and increased use of the space as a community hub for veterans and their families.
Millage FAQs
Why does the millage language note a small share of the funding may be disbursed to the Downtown Development Authorities (DDA) of the City of Howell and the Village of Fowlerville?
The 2026 millage renewal language notes a small share “as required by law” may be disbursed to the Downtown Development Authorities (DDA) of the City of Howell and the Village of Fowlerville. This requirement is not a discretionary decision by the County or the Veterans Services Department. Michigan law allows a portion of millages to be captured by DDAs and Local Development Finance Authorities in Michigan since these entities cannot levy their own millages or create their own funding sources.
The amount involved is very small, approximately $2,000 per year per community, totaling about $4,000 amongst the two annually, if captured.
It’s also important to note that the DDAs reinvest these funds directly into improvements within their downtown districts, such as parking areas, sidewalks, lighting, and enhancements to public gathering spaces. These improvements directly support community events including Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies and parades. They also help foster environments where veteran‑owned businesses can thrive.
Both DDAs collaborate with Livingston County Veteran Services to ensure veterans and their families are aware of local events, activities, and opportunities to participate and connect.
Aside from this legally mandated pass‑through amount, every remaining dollar of the Veterans Services Millage goes directly toward serving veterans in Livingston County through transportation assistance, emergency relief, benefits counseling, outreach, and other critical programs.
Who does "Veterans of Active United States Military Services" refer to?
In the context of the millage renewal language, “Veterans of Active United States Military Services” refers to veterans who had active federal service. This includes retirees, as they logically served on active duty, as well as National Guard and Reserve members who were activated under Title 10 (active federal service). All of these groups are covered.
