Funding
How is Montcalm Conservation District Funded?
Conservation districts rely heavily on federal, state and local grants to provide funding for project and program implementation. Changes to federal and state budgets can greatly impact our funding, and therefore, what we can offer Montcalm County residents. Our Tree and Native Plant Sales, as well as bookstore item sales, serve as fundraisers to increase our overall budget. We are constantly applying for grants to continue funding our staff as well as project and program implementation in Montcalm County. Fortunately, Montcalm County voters have twice approved a millage supporting Montcalm Conservation District through a shared millage with Montcalm County MSU Extension and 4-H. The millage has been the lifeline of Montcalm Conservation District, funding multiple staff members and expanded programs and services typically available to residents for free or at the lowest cost possible. For Montcalm Conservation District, these programs and services include: technical assistance on forestry, agriculture, watersheds, Model Forest maintenance, invasive species treatment cost-share, educational events and more.​
Millage Information
On August 4, 2026, Montcalm County residents will be asked to renew the Montcalm County MSU Extension, 4-H, and Montcalm Conservation District millage up to 0.20 mils to continue funding programming and services in Montcalm County for the next four years (2027 - 2030).
In 2026, one-third of this will provide up to $186,777 to Montcalm Conservation District, and two-thirds will provide up to $373,555 to Montcalm County MSU Extension and 4-H.​
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The millage will cost a homeowner $0.20 for every $1,000 of taxable home value. For example, if you own a $100,00 home, you'll invest $10 per year in taxes to support Montcalm Conservation District and Montcalm County MSU Extension and 4-H.
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A "yes" vote means Montcalm County residents will continue to fund these three organizations and the programs and services offered.
A "no" vote means Montcalm County residents will NOT fund these organizations and will see a loss of currently available programs and services.
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Official Ballot Language:​
Shall the limitation upon the total amount of general ad valorem taxes imposed upon real and tangible personal property for all purposes in one year under the Michigan Constitution be increased for funding to continue operations of MSU Extension services, including 4-H Youth Programs and the Montcalm Conservation District, in Montcalm County, and levy for that purpose not more than 0.2000 mill (equal to $.20 on every $1,000.00 of taxable value of real and tangible personal property) for a period of four (4) years, 2027 through 2030, inclusive, for the purpose of providing operating funds to Montcalm County MSU Extension, including 4-H Programs (â…” levy or approximately $ 373,555.00 in 2026) and Montcalm Conservation District (â…“ levy or approximately $186,777.00 in 2026) and together is a renewal of previously authorized millage in the amount of 0.2000 mills?
____ Yes
____ No
