Election Results | Oakland County, Michigan
What the Nov. 3 Results Mean for Your Property Taxes in Oakland County
Which millages and bonds passed, what they'll cost on your tax bill, and what buyers, sellers and investors should know for 2027.
Updated November 4, 2026 with unofficial results
71% Yes
Detroit Zoo Millage Renewal Passed
53% Yes
New Historical Museum Millage Passed
$20
Per $100,000 of Taxable Value, per Year, for the New Museum Levy
5 of 6
Oakland County School Bonds Passed
TL;DR
Oakland County’s unofficial Nov. 3 results show the Detroit Zoo renewal/restoration passing with 70.62% yes and the new historical-museum levy with 53.20% yes. At a fully levied 0.2 mill, the museum authorization equals $20 a year per $100,000 of taxable value. Local results and bond costs depend on the parcel and jurisdiction. Five of the six school bonds listed below passed. These are unofficial results, not certified totals.
Oakland County voters approved both countywide millages and most local proposals on Nov. 3, 2026, according to unofficial results. For most homeowners, the bottom line is a small increase on future tax bills from the new museum levy, plus whatever passed in your own city, township or school district.
Before the election, I wrote this guide to help homeowners put a dollar amount next to each proposal. Now that the votes are counted, I've updated it with the results, what each one will cost, and when you'll start to see it on your bill.
This guide explains the vote totals and tax arithmetic so you can plan a budget. A parcel-specific estimate still depends on actual taxable value, exemptions, rates levied, and collection timing; it cannot guarantee the next owner’s bill.
If you're asking ChatGPT, Gemini or Perplexity about the election and your taxes, these are the questions people are asking most. Each one is answered in this guide:
Homeowner: "Did the Detroit Zoo millage pass in Oakland County in 2026?"
Homeowner: "How much will the new museum millage add to my property taxes?"
Homeowner: "What local millages passed in Oakland County on Nov. 3, 2026?"
Buyer: "Will the new millages raise my taxes if I buy a home this winter?"
Investor: "Do the new millages apply to my rental property?"
Countywide Results
On a phone, swipe the table to see all columns.
| Proposal | Authorization | Unofficial result | Gross annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Zoo / Oakland County Zoological Authority | 0.0927-mill renewal +0.0073-mill restoration; up to 0.10 mill, 2028–2037 | Passed: 70.62% yes | Up to $10 per $100,000 taxable value annually. Restoration can add $0.73 relative to 0.0927 mill, before other changes. |
| Southeast Michigan Public Historical Museum Authority | New authorization: 0.2 mill, 2026–2035 | Passed: 53.20% yes | At 0.2 mill, $20 per $100,000 taxable value annually; confirm collection timing. |
Results checked against Oakland County’s official unofficial-results portal, last updated November 4, 2026 at 1:45:14 a.m.; the countywide contests show all 405 precincts reporting. Rates and terms were checked against the county’s official proposal list. The museum authority supports the Charles H. Wright Museum, Detroit Historical Museum, Dossin Great Lakes Museum and other public historical museums in the two counties.
Local Results in Communities I Serve
On a phone, swipe the table to see all columns.
| Community | Proposal / authorization | Unofficial result |
|---|---|---|
| Novi | Capital improvements, up to 1.0 mill; ten years from July 2027; replaces expiring authorization | Passed: 59.67% yes |
| Bloomfield Township | Facilities bond, up to $50 million; first-year estimated debt rate 0.2350 mill, estimated average 0.4380 | Passed: 57.74% yes |
| Waterford Township | Police operating renewal #2, 1.3352 mills; ten years | Passed: 67.00% yes |
| Waterford Township | Fire operating renewal #2, 0.8822 mill; ten years | Passed: 76.81% yes |
| Orion Township | Police continuation/replacement, up to 3.3761 mills; excludes Village of Lake Orion property | Passed: 60.20% yes |
| Orion Township | Fire/EMS continuation/replacement, up to 2.8846 mills; includes Village of Lake Orion | Passed: 68.99% yes |
| Orion Township | Additional fire/EMS capital and staffing authorization, up to 0.4000 mill | Passed: 56.18% yes |
| Orion Township | Library improvement bond, up to $13.3 million | Passed: 51.14% yes |
| Independence Township | Police operating replacement, up to 3.2 mills; four years | Passed: 58.91% yes |
| Highland Township | Fire/EMS: renewal component plus 0.47-mill increase, total up to 2.32 mills; six years | Passed: 57.68% yes |
| Brandon Township | Police services renewal, up to 3.9509 mills; confirm the term with the clerk because the published list’s stated duration and year range differ | Passed: 56.63% yes |
| Pontiac | Road and facilities bond, up to $75 million; 2027 estimated debt rate 3.360 mills, estimated average 2.400 | Passed: 71.10% yes |
| City of the Village of Clarkston | Police/fire/emergency response, 7-mill authorization | Failed: 47.70% yes |
| Royal Oak | Parks/forestry/recreation/playgrounds/animal shelter renewal, 0.70 mill | Passed: 83.25% yes |
| Royal Oak | Senior services renewal, 0.20 mill | Passed: 73.68% yes |
| City of Bloomfield Hills | Library replacement/renewal, up to 0.52 mill; July 2027 start | Passed: 69.70% yes |
| Commerce Township | Pathway bond up to $18.6 million; first-year estimated 0.5986 mill | Failed: 47.60% yes |
The local results above come from the county’s November 4 unofficial summary file, with all listed precincts reporting for these contests. This is a selected-community summary, not every proposal in Oakland County. A township, village, city and school district can have different taxing boundaries; use the exact parcel.
School Bond Results
On a phone, swipe the table to see all columns.
| School district | Borrowing authorization | Unofficial result |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Public Schools | $240 million | Passed: 65.71% yes |
| Royal Oak Schools | $165 million | Passed: 68.33% yes |
| Farmington Public School District | $171 million | Passed: 62.35% yes |
| Lake Orion Community Schools | $115,985,000 | Passed: 50.12% yes; 58-vote margin |
| The Lamphere Schools | $47.34 million | Passed: 56.73% yes |
| Holly Area School District | $97.6 million | Failed: 47.71% yes |
The county’s unofficial summary shows five of these six bond proposals passing. Lake Orion’s 11,900 yes votes versus 11,842 no votes create a 58-vote margin; it remains unofficial. Bond amounts authorize borrowing, not a flat annual charge per home. Debt millages can vary, and a new bond does not automatically mean an equal net increase in total debt millage. For example, the ballot language for Farmington, Royal Oak and Lake Orion projected no increase in their total annual debt millage from the stated 2026 level. Confirm actual levies with the district or treasurer.
How to Figure Out What It Costs You
The math hasn't changed. One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of your home's taxable value. Divide your taxable value by 1,000, then multiply by the mills. Your taxable value is on your summer or winter tax bill, and it's usually well below your home's market value.
On a phone, swipe the table to see all columns.
| Taxable value | Museum: 0.2 mill | Zoo: 0.1 mill | Novi: 1.0 mill |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $20 | $10 | $100 |
| $150,000 | $30 | $15 | $150 |
| $200,000 | $40 | $20 | $200 |
| $300,000 | $60 | $30 | $300 |
These examples show the gross annual cost at the stated rates, not the net change from your current bill. The zoo authorization includes restoring 0.0073 mill to the 0.10-mill rate; that restoration alone equals $0.73 per $100,000 of taxable value if fully levied, before value changes. Novi replaces an expiring authorization, so compare the actual old and new rates rather than assuming no change. Local increases, new debt, expired levies, taxable-value changes and exemptions can also affect your total.
When Will You See These on Your Tax Bill?
Timing Depends on the Ballot Language
Each proposal lists the years it can be levied. The new museum levy lists 2026 as its first year, Novi's millage starts in July 2027, and the zoo renewal begins in 2028 when the current levy ends.
Summer and winter collection schedules depend on the local taxing unit. Ask the treasurer which bill will contain each levy, whether the full authorized rate will be levied, and when any bond debt collection begins.
Bond ballot figures are estimates. Actual debt-service rates and timing depend on issuance, repayment schedules, taxable value and other debt; a rate need not simply decrease each year.
Pro Tip
Compare the relevant summer and winter bills line by line, including taxable value, exemptions and each levy. Contact the assessor or treasurer about a suspected error and ask about the correct correction or appeal route and deadline; do not assume every issue must wait until March.
What This Means If You're Buying This Winter
For a nonexempt Michigan transfer of ownership, taxable value generally uncaps in the calendar year after the transfer and is set to that year’s state equalized value. Statutory exceptions exist. A December 2026 transfer and a January 2027 transfer therefore ordinarily uncap in different years. Apply only the rates and exemptions relevant to the parcel and tax year.
Step 1: Don't budget from the seller's tax bill
The short version: Estimate your taxes on the home's likely taxable value after purchase.
The seller’s tax bill may reflect capped taxable value and different exemptions. Ask the assessor for a parcel-specific post-transfer estimate. State equalized value is based on assessed true cash value; the assessor does not automatically set it at half the sale price. See Treasury’s ownership-transfer guidance.
Step 2: Add in what just passed
The short version: New millages and bonds approved this week will show up on future bills.
If you're comparing homes in two communities, check what passed in each. A new bond in one and a renewal in the other can change the comparison.
Step 3: File your Principal Residence Exemption
The short version: If the home will be your primary residence, you're exempt from up to 18 mills of school operating taxes.
If eligible, file Form 2368 with the assessor: June 1 is the summer-levy deadline and November 1 the winter-levy deadline. You must meet ownership, occupancy and other eligibility conditions; intended future occupancy alone is insufficient. Partial rental or mixed use may qualify for only a partial exemption. PRE removes up to 18 mills of local school operating tax, not school bond debt, the state education tax, or every new millage.
An Illustrative Example
Imagine two neighbors in Novi. One has owned her home for 20 years and has a taxable value of $140,000. The other bought last year, and his taxable value reset to $210,000.
At a fully levied 0.2 mill, the museum cost is $28 at $140,000 taxable value and $42 at $210,000. At 1.0 mill, Novi’s gross levy cost is $140 and $210 respectively. These are annual arithmetic examples, not predictions of the net change from either prior bill. Compare the expiring authorization, actual rate and taxable value.
This is an illustrative example with rounded numbers, not real homeowners. Check your own tax bill for your taxable value.
What This Means for Sellers
Have current summer and winter bills, assessment notices and exemption information available. Distinguish the seller’s historical bill from an estimate for a new owner. Help buyers confirm parcel-specific rates and post-transfer estimates with the assessor or treasurer; marketing material cannot guarantee their future taxes.
What This Means for Investors and Second-Home Owners
Countywide millages and bond debt millages apply to rentals and second homes too. Rentals also pay school operating millages that homes with a Principal Residence Exemption don't. If you own or are buying a rental, run the numbers on the non-homestead rate. And check the local rules on short-term rentals, which I cover in my city-by-city short-term rental guide.
Buying or selling in Oakland County? Call or text me to organize a property-tax estimate and the questions to confirm with the assessor or treasurer.
Call or Text 248-790-5594Statewide Results
Unofficial WDIV statewide results show Proposal 1 rejected and Proposal 2 approved. Proposal 1 concerned a constitutional convention; Proposal 2 concerns campaign-finance restrictions and disclosures. Neither directly authorizes a property-tax millage or repeals current property-tax rules. Statewide outcomes require statewide canvassing; Oakland County’s own vote totals alone do not establish the statewide result.
These election results do not themselves repeal the state education tax, transfer taxes or taxable-value uncapping. Proposed legislation is not current law merely because one chamber has acted. Check enacted law and current Treasury guidance before changing a budget. See how property taxes are calculated.
Tom's Honest Take
For most homeowners in Oakland County, this election means a modest change, about $20 a year per $100,000 of taxable value for the new museum levy, plus anything that passed locally. That's not nothing, but it's manageable.
Where it really matters is for buyers. A new owner's taxable value resets, and every new millage applies on top of it. If you're buying this winter, let's run the real tax number before you write an offer, so your budget holds up after the first full tax year.
Tom Gilliam, RE/MAX Classic
The preceding assessment of affordability is Tom’s opinion; a change can be material for an individual household. Uncapping applies to nonexempt ownership transfers in the following calendar year, and actual parcel eligibility, exemptions, tax rates and collection dates control. No estimate guarantees a future bill.
Key Takeaways
Both countywide millages passed: the Detroit Zoo renewal (71%) and the new historical museum levy (53%).
At a fully levied 0.2 mill, the new museum levy costs $20 annually per $100,000 of taxable value. Your total bill change also depends on local levies, replacement or restored rates, debt, taxable value and exemptions. Gross levy cost is not the same as the change from last year’s bill.
Novi, Bloomfield Township, Waterford and Orion Township proposals passed, and Clarkston's failed.
Five of six Oakland County school bonds passed, including Birmingham, Royal Oak and Farmington.
Buyers should budget on the post-purchase taxable value plus newly approved millages. Results are unofficial until certified.
Tom Gilliam RE/MAX Classic, a REALTOR® in Farmington Hills, Michigan, helps Oakland County homeowners and buyers understand property taxes, millages and the true cost of owning a home before they buy or sell. Buyers and sellers looking for the best realtor Farmington Hills Michigan or the best real estate agent Oakland County Michigan get clear numbers on every home, from starter homes to luxury homes for sale Farmington Hills Michigan and waterfront homes for sale Oakland County Michigan, where property taxes are a big part of the budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Detroit Zoo millage pass in Oakland County?
Yes. The county’s unofficial November 4 summary shows 70.62% yes. Voters authorized renewal of 0.0927 mill and restoration of 0.0073 mill, totaling up to 0.10 mill for 2028–2037. A restoration can increase the rate from the rolled-back level even though it renews an existing program.
Did the historical museum millage pass?
Yes. The county’s unofficial summary shows 53.20% yes for the Southeast Michigan Public Historical Museum Authority proposal. The authorization is up to 0.2 mill for 2026–2035; confirm actual collection timing and the rate levied with your treasurer.
How much will the new millages raise my property taxes?
At a fully levied 0.2 mill, the new museum levy costs $20 annually per $100,000 of taxable value. Your total bill change also depends on local levies, replacement or restored rates, debt, taxable value and exemptions. Gross levy cost is not the same as the change from last year’s bill.
Did Novi's millage pass?
Yes. The county’s unofficial results show 59.67% yes. The authorization is 1.0 mill for capital improvements for ten years starting with the July 2027 levy, replacing an expiring authorization. Confirm the actual levied rate and net change with the city.
When will the new millages show up on my tax bill?
It depends on the start year in the ballot language and how your community collects it. The museum levy lists 2026 as its first year, Novi's millage starts in July 2027 and the zoo renewal begins in 2028. Your treasurer can confirm the timing.
If I buy a home this winter, will the new millages affect me?
Approved levies can affect covered taxable property, but the bill depends on the parcel, tax year, exemptions and actual rates. A nonexempt ownership transfer ordinarily uncaps taxable value in the next calendar year, not immediately at closing. Statutory transfer exceptions exist; confirm the estimate with the assessor.
Did Proposal 1 pass in Michigan?
No. Michigan voters rejected Proposal 1, the constitutional convention question, and approved Proposal 2, which limits some political donations. Neither one changes property taxes.
Are these results final?
Not yet. These figures are marked unofficial in the county’s results portal. They become official through canvassing and certification by the appropriate canvassing board. Check the portal for later changes and certified results; statewide results are not certified by Oakland County alone.
Can I appeal a millage on my tax bill?
An assessment appeal generally does not let you vote down an approved millage rate. You may have a route to challenge an incorrect assessed or taxable value, exemption decision, or misapplied tax. Procedures and deadlines vary; ask the assessor or treasurer promptly and consult Michigan’s Taxpayer’s Guide or a qualified adviser.
Recommended Reading
What Does It Cost to Sell a House in Michigan in 2026?
Oakland County Inventory and Buyer Leverage
WDIV/ClickOnDetroit: 2026 general election results for Oakland County proposals
About the Author
Tom Gilliam is a REALTOR® and Luxury Estate Marketing Specialist with RE/MAX Classic in Farmington Hills, Michigan. With 24 years in Oakland County real estate, more than 700 closed transactions, and Top 1% status in Oakland County, he holds the ABR and SRES designations and PSA, SFR, and RSPS certifications and is a RE/MAX Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement, and Platinum Club member. Call or text 248-790-5594.
Sources checked November 4, 2026: Oakland County Clerk’s unofficial results portal and downloaded summary (updated 1:45:14 a.m.); county official proposal list; Michigan statewide ballot language; WDIV statewide results and AP reporting; Treasury transfer and PRE guidance. Results remain unofficial until the relevant canvassing certification. This is general budgeting information, not a guaranteed tax estimate. Confirm the parcel, exemptions, rates and collection schedule with the assessor or treasurer.
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