Macomb Residents Will Vote on Proposed DIA Millage in August

Should Macomb County taxpayers support the Detroit Institute of Arts?

Voters, the decision is now yours.

Following more than an hour of public comment, county commissioners voted 8-5 Tuesday night to approve the creation of a Macomb County Art Institute Authority. This authority will be responsible for drafting a contract with the DIA and ensuring the question of a millage funding the DIA is placed on the August primary ballot.

It will then be up to voters to pass or reject this proposed 10-year, 0.2 mill property tax–estimated to cost homeowner's $10 for every $100,000 of their home’s market value.

Free admission to the museum would also be granted to Macomb County residents if voters approve the ballot question.

Macomb Township Commissioners Joe Sabatini (District 7) and Don Brown (District 13) voted against the measure.

Moving forward, but not said and done

Although the board has approved the creation of an arts authority, it must still grant final approval and approve the authority's members. These steps will likely be taken at the next full board meeting on May 3, at 7 p.m., at the Macomb County Administration Building. 

“I’d like to remind the public that this process is not complete,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Kathy D. Vosburg, in a prepared statement. “The public has the opportunity to let any concerns be known to the Macomb County Art Institute authority at any of the authority’s public meetings.”