Ballot question asks Detroiters to renew library tax

The Proposal L ballot question asks voters to renew an expiring millage to support the Detroit Public Library.

The intrigue: Approving the proposal would continue the current millage rate at 3.9943 mills for another 10 years (about $3.99 for every $1,000 of taxable value), meaning owners of homes worth $100,000 would pay about $200 per year.

• The current millage expires in July 2025.

Why it matters: The library receives more than 80% of its funding through property taxes.

What they're saying: "We'd pretty much be out of business if the millage isn't renewed," Detroit Public Library chief financial officer Antonio Brown told Outlier .

• "We'd have to start shutting down branches because we wouldn't have the funds to operate," Brown said.