2026 Fire Millage
On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, voters in the City of Auburn Hills will consider a proposal to approve a 1.5-mill increase for fire and emergency medical services as part of Michigan’s State Primary Election. This proposal is critical to maintaining and improving emergency response services that protect our community.
The Auburn Hills Fire Department currently protects more than 26,000 residents and serves a weekday population exceeding 80,000 people. The department is staffed by a Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Administrative Officer, Administrative Assistant, three fire inspectors, and 24 full-time firefighters who respond to all calls for services including fire and medical emergencies.
Current Budget Outlook
From 2026 through 2030, the Fire Department’s expenditures are projected to exceed revenues each year. In 2026 alone, expenditures are projected at $7.8 million compared to revenues of $7.25 million, creating a deficit of more than $544,000. That annual deficit is projected to grow, reaching over $1.3 million by 2030. Over the five-year period, the department is expected to experience deficit spending every year if no changes are made. The proposed 1.5-mill increase would generate approximately $3.3 million in additional revenue in 2027, helping address growing service demands.
| 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $7,256,872 | $7,104,254 | $7,255,721 | $7,412,390 | $7,574,408 |
| Expenses | $7,801,186 | $7,940,934 | $8,341,296 | $8,317,250 | $8,886,180 |
| Deficit | ($544,314) | ($836,680) | ($1,085,575) | ($904,860) | ($1,311,772) |
Increased Demand for Services
Demand for service has increased significantly over the past decade. In 2010, the department responded to 2,816 calls for service. That number rose to 3,394 in 2015, 3,585 in 2020, and 4,628 in 2025. Approximately 75% of calls are for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and EMS calls continue to grow at an average rate of 3 to 5% annually. This sustained growth reflects both population trends and increasing medical service needs within our community.
2025 Response Times
Higher call volumes increase pressure on response times. In 2025, the department responded to 90% of EMS calls within 12:06 minutes and responded to 90% of suppression calls within 13:26 minutes. Our goal is to measurably reduce both the response time and the higher-end response times. Adding and staffing another ambulance would significantly improve our ability to meet that goal.
Expected Outcomes
If approved, the millage increase will fund critical equipment purchases and upgrades, and support the hiring of three additional paramedics, one at each station, allowing the department to regularly staff an additional ambulance. Currently, Auburn Hills staffs two ambulances. The proposed millage would allow staffing for a third ambulance, with a fourth unit available as backup. Without the millage, the additional ambulance cannot be staffed.
Vote Tuesday, August 4
The Fire Millage proposal will appear on the ballot for Michigan’s State Primary Election on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. To find your voting precinct, please call 248-370-9402 or visit michigan.gov/vote.
Informational Meetings
If you have questions or would like additional information, consider joining us for one of two informational meetings on Wednesday, June 10 or Wednesday, June 24. Both meetings will be hosted at the Public Safety Building at 1899 N. Squirrel Rd., on the main municipal campus.
Questions?
Tom Tanghe
City Manager
Trevin Robinson
Fire Chief