August 4, 2026 — Orion Township

Vote Yes for the people who answer the call.

On August 4, Orion Township residents will decide on two public safety millages — one for police, one for fire. Both keep our community among Michigan's safest.

See the Facts → How to Vote

Two public safety proposals on one ballot.

A police services millage renewal & adjustment, and a new fire department operational millage.

Voter Info

What's on the Ballot

Two proposals. One goal: keep Orion safe.

Both proposals fund the people, training, equipment, and facilities behind Orion Township's police and fire response.

Police Services Millage

Oakland County Sheriff — Orion Substation

Current

3.41 mills

Proposed

3.75 mills

A renewal and adjustment — maintains staffing, response times, and public safety services as demand grows.
Funds 37 personnel at the Orion Substation: patrol deputies, detectives, sergeants, SROs, and administrative staff.
Calls for service rose to 22,000 in 2025 — a 10.5% jump over 2024. Detectives also handled 635 assigned cases.
Adds one deputy per year starting 2027 and protects proactive policing and emergency response.
Keeps School Resource Officers in Lake Orion schools.

Fire Department Operational Millage

Orion Township Fire Department — Ballot date Aug 4, 2026

Current

3.0 mills

Proposed

3.85 mills

A new 4-year operational millage replacing the previous 6-year millage expiring Dec 31, 2026.
Funds 9 additional firefighters (3 per shift) for faster response and reduced burnout.
Completes station expansions at two of three stations, with funding for training grounds.
Covers rising contract rates, equipment costs, healthcare, overtime, and inflation.
Funds an ALS (Advanced Life Support) delivery model — paramedic-level care on every run.

Police Millage Detail

Demand is up. Staffing has stayed flat.

The proposed 3.75-mill rate remains comparable to surrounding communities — while keeping Orion's response times among the fastest in the region.

Community	Police Millage Rate
Oxford Township	4.25 mills
Orion Township (Proposed)	3.75 mills
Brandon Township	3.60 mills
Rochester Hills	3.46 mills
Orion Township (Current)	3.41 mills

Source: 2026 Orion Township Police Millage Initiative presentation.

Fire Millage Detail

4 years of progress. More to do.

Over the last 4 years, the Orion Township Fire Department hit 9 major milestones with the current millage.

What was accomplished

Added 2 firefighters per shift (12 per shift total)
ALS (paramedic) delivery model launched
4 new fire trucks, 2 new ambulances
SCBA air cylinders & turnout gear replaced
Replaced 2 staff vehicles, added 3 more
Air Tender replaced, station improvements

What this millage funds

9 additional firefighters (3 per shift)
Station expansion at two stations
Dedicated training grounds
Equipment replacement & upgrades
Inflation corrections to operating budget
Long-term staffing stabilization

How it compares

Oxford	5.25
Waterford	2.41 + 2.52
Brandon	4.29 + 0.60
Holly	4.5 – 5.5
Addison	3.74 / 0.74
Independence	3.84
Orion (Proposed)	3.85

Source: Orion Township Fire Department Operational Millage Fact Sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What residents are asking.

What's actually on the August 4, 2026 ballot?

Two separate proposals: (1) a renewal and adjustment of the Orion Township Police Services Millage from 3.41 to 3.75 mills, and (2) a new Orion Township Fire Department operational millage of 3.85 mills over 4 years, replacing the previous 3.0-mill millage that expires December 31, 2026.

Why is additional funding needed for police?

Calls for service, investigative caseloads, school incidents, and mental health responses have all increased significantly in recent years. In 2025 deputies responded to 22,000 calls — a 10.5% increase over 2024 — and detectives handled 635 assigned cases. Operational costs are also rising.

What happens to fire response if the millage doesn't pass?

The current 3.0-mill fire millage expires December 31, 2026. Without a replacement, the department loses its core operational funding — putting staffing, equipment replacement, station upgrades, and the planned addition of 9 firefighters at risk.

How does Orion's police rate compare to nearby communities?

The proposed 3.75-mill rate remains comparable to surrounding communities — Oxford Township is 4.25 mills, Brandon Township 3.60, and Rochester Hills 3.46.

How does Orion's fire rate compare?

At the proposed 3.85 mills, Orion would be in line with peer communities — Oxford 5.25, Independence 3.84, Brandon 4.29 + 0.60, Waterford 2.41 + 2.52 Public Safety. The proposed rate also takes inflation corrections into account so revenue tracks real operating expenses.

What are School Resource Officers (SROs)?

SROs are deputies assigned to local schools who help maintain school safety, respond to incidents, build relationships with students, and coordinate emergency response efforts. The police millage funds SRO positions in Lake Orion schools.

What did the last fire millage accomplish?

Over 4 years, the Orion Township Fire Department added 2 firefighters per shift (12 per shift total), launched an ALS (paramedic-level) delivery model, replaced turnout gear and SCBA air cylinders, bought 4 new fire trucks and 2 ambulances, maintained the staff vehicle fleet, replaced the Air Tender, and made station improvements.

Why is public safety important?

Strong police and fire services protect families, schools, businesses, and property values — and maintain Orion Township's reputation as one of Michigan's safest communities.

Make a plan to vote.

Polls are open Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Confirm your registration, request an absentee ballot, or find your polling place at the Michigan Voter Information Center.

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