On the ballot Tuesday, November 3, 2026

See what the Benzie County tax measure would actually cost you.

This November, Benzie County voters will decide on a countywide tax limitation proposal covering the County, the townships, and an intermediate school district line. Search your address or parcel number below to see your property's estimated yearly increase, with every step of the math shown.

1

Find your property

By street number or by parcel number.

2

See your estimate

Township and county math shown separately, plus your total.

Estimate your tax impact

Look your property up one of two ways. If you search by street number and more than one parcel comes back, we'll list them so you can pick the right one.

Just the number, no street name needed. Example: for "4750 Crystal Drive," enter 4750.

    We couldn't find a parcel with that street number on file. Double check the number, or try searching by parcel number instead.

    Not sure of either number? It's on your assessment change notice, or you can find it on the county's parcel map (opens in a new tab).

     

     
    Estimated increase if the measure passes
    $0.00
    per year, combining the county and township portions below.
    Good to know before you read the numbers above
    The county and townships are linked

    The County's general operating millage is tied to each township in this proposal. Both reset together: the county cannot change its rate without township participation.

    Township millage can vary

    Some townships collect a lower millage than they're authorized to. If yours does, your actual increase could be smaller than the estimate above.

    This is an estimate, not a bill

    This tool calculates only the change from this specific ballot measure. It does not include school, library, or other millages, and it does not account for exemptions like the Principal Residence Exemption.

    The proposal

    What's actually on the ballot

    Here is the official language voters will see, reproduced in full, followed by what it means in plain terms.

    SEPARATE TAX LIMITATION PROPOSAL

    Shall separate tax limitations be established for a two-year period (2027-2028 inclusive), or until altered by the voters of the county, for the County of Benzie and the townships and intermediate school districts within the county, the aggregate of which shall not exceed 4.9328 in mills as follows:

    County of Benzie3.7700
    Townships1.0000
    Intermediate school district0.1800
    Total4.95
    Yes No

    About the ISD line: Michigan law requires the intermediate school district rate to appear on this ballot proposal alongside the county and township rates. But because the ISD's service area extends beyond Benzie County's borders, its millage cannot actually be changed through this measure. That line exists for informational completeness. Only the County and Township figures above are what this vote can change, and are what this calculator estimates.

    01
    Why this vote is happening

    Michigan's Headlee Amendment automatically rolls back tax rates when property values rise faster than inflation. Since 1982, Benzie's county millage has declined from 5.29 to 3.1874 mills, a drop of nearly 40% in our primary millage rate. This measure would restore rates up to the levels shown above.

    02
    These are maximum rates

    The millage figures above are ceilings, not guarantees. County and township officials can choose to levy less than the maximum in any given year, based on their own budget needs. If they do, your actual increase would be smaller than the estimate this tool shows.

    03
    How long it lasts

    If approved, these rates would apply for two years, covering 2027 and 2028, unless voters change them again sooner.

    Making your voice heard

    Voting in Michigan this November

    General election dates and rules for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Confirm anything time sensitive with your local clerk, since exact hours and sites can vary by community.

    • Oct 19
      Last day to register online or by mail

      Register at Michigan.gov/vote. After this date, you can still register, but only in person at your city or township clerk's office with proof of residency, through Election Day.

    • Late Sept
      No-excuse absentee voting opens

      Any registered voter can request an absentee ballot for any reason. Apply online, by mail, or in person at your clerk's office.

    • 9+ days out
      Early in-person voting

      Michigan guarantees at least nine days of early in-person voting before Election Day. Contact the Benzie County Clerk or your township clerk for exact dates, hours, and locations near you.

    • Oct 30
      Absentee ballot request deadline

      5:00 p.m. by mail, or 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2 in person at your clerk's office. After that, plan to vote in person or drop your ballot at an official drop box.

    • Nov 3
      Election Day

      Polls are open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Absentee ballots must be received by your clerk by 8:00 p.m. to count, postmark alone is not enough.

    Check your registration and find your clerk

    Michigan.gov/vote lets you confirm you're registered, see a sample ballot for this measure, find your polling place, and get your local clerk's contact information.

    Visit Michigan.gov/vote
    A photo ID is requested at the polls but not required. If you don't have one, you can sign an affidavit and still vote a regular ballot.