2024 BAFA Operating Millage Proposal

Thank you for your continued support. The Brighton Area Fire Authority has a new millage proposal this November.

The Brighton Area Fire Authority is on the November 5, 2024, ballot for approval of a new operating millage beginning in December 2026 through December 2030. This new five-year millage request comes 18 months early to avoid fees related to a special election. The millage is the only method of funding the Authority receives, as we are a stand-alone governmental entity that does not receive funding from municipal budgets. BAFA has maintained the lowest millage rate in and around Livingston County for nearly 10 years. Below is a rate comparison of surrounding communities.

The rate request is based on projections nearly two years in advance. The new rate of 2.75 mills applies to all taxable property in the Authority’s district (Genoa Township, Brighton Township, and the City of Brighton) and will fund the Authority’s operating costs. The intent of this new rate request is to provide additional full-time staff to provide on-duty staffing for all five fire stations and to keep up with rising operating costs. This funding will also allow the Authority to keep up with the service demands of our rapidly growing communities while meeting national standards for the deployment of an appropriate firefighting force. This in turn results in improved response times inproving resident and firefighter safety. During its regularly scheduled board meeting, the Brighton Area Fire Authority Board advised the Fire Chief to file all appropriate paperwork with language approved by the County Clerk which states:

Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes, which may be levied against all property in Brighton City, Brighton Township and Genoa Township, Livingston County, Michigan be levied to 2.75 mils (an ad valorem tax of $2.75 per thousand dollars of taxable value) for a period of Five (5) years, commencing December 1, 2026-2030, inclusive, and if adopted, will replace the current fire millage which expires in December 2025, for the purpose of providing funds to be used by the Brighton Area Fire Authority for the continuation of operations, additional staffing, fire protection, rescue and other safety services and equipment as authorized by Section 12 of Act 57 of the Public Acts of 1988, as amended, that being MCL 124.612, which this millage, If approved and levied, will raise in the first year of levy an estimated $10,888,020?

Quick Facts

Established under Public Act 57, the Fire Authority serves as its own Governmental Entity protecting the City of Brighton, Genoa Township, and Brighton Township. This structure is different than most fire departments which are typically a part of the municipal government.

The Authority is managed by the Fire Chief who serves as the CEO under the direction of the Authority’s Board of Directors made up of representatives appointed by the municipalities we serve. The Fire Authority covers 74 square miles, over 20 miles of interstate, and over 55,000 residents in one of the fastest-growing areas in Michigan.

The Fire Authority receives no funding from municipal governmental budgets and relies solely on the support of our resident’s approval of the millage to fund day-to-day operations. This includes recruitment, hiring, and staff training; maintenance and repair of equipment, fleet, facilities, and other daily business expenses. The funding provides wages and benefits for a well-trained and highly skilled firefighting/EMT force.

The proposed millage is a forward-looking investment covering a five-year collection cycle from 2026 to 2030. At an estimated increase of $125 per $100,000 of taxable value annually, the additional funding will secure the resources needed to sustain high-quality fire protection services, ensuring that the growing community’s needs are met well into the future. This new millage will provide all of the following.

Proactive Financial Planning for Future Growth:

The millage will go into effect in December 2026, ensuring that BAFA has the resources needed to address community growth over the following five years while maintaining cost-effective operations. This is a forward-looking investment covering a five-year collection cycle from 2026 to 2030. Allows a proactive approach by the Authority to address the rising operational costs caused by inflation. This funding is critical to maintaining service levels in light of increased expenses.

Addressing Staffing Challenges in a Competitive Market:

The additional funding will allow BAFA to hire, recruit, and retain full-time and part-time firefighter/EMTs, tackling retention challenges due to competition in Michigan’s firefighting job market. In the past 12 months, the Authority has lost 8 firefighters to full-time organizations after going through training provided by BAFA. It is our intention to hire from within to fill firefighting positions to provide our essential service to the community.

Improved Staffing and Response Times:

This will allow the expansion of 24-hour staffing at all five fire stations, reducing response times and enhancing emergency services. With the community experiencing growth in population, traffic, and incident volumes, additional funding is essential for meeting demand and improving public safety. The millage will allow BAFA to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) firefighter deployment standards, ensuring public safety and firefighter preparedness during emergencies.

If you have questions, please contact Fire Chief O’Brian at mobrian@brightonareafire.com or via phone at 810-299-0024