Guest Editorial: What the recreational tax renewal means for the community

By Linda Wolyniec
There is a recreation millage renewal on the August Primary Election ballot here in the City of Hamtramck. The School District asks for a renewal every 10 years. It is $3.93 for every $1,000 of property value. This is not a new tax, it does not increase taxes. It is a renewal of the millage that is currently in place.
The current fund expires this year and a millage must be renewed to continue. Recreation funds are used for all ages and stages of life here in Hamtramck. Residents benefit from lows cost or free programming for the entire community.
There are free community events for the entire population. Our parks and green spaces can also be maintained with recreation funds. These provide a safe environment for residents and guests and for youth enrichment.
There are programs such as summer camp, karate, soccer, baseball, cricket, basketball and dance for our youth. There are adult fitness and sports leagues. Recreation maintains a pool at Hamtramck High School that has open swim, swim lessons and water aerobics.
The community center has a weight room, sauna, basketball courts and fitness classes. This is also where indoor sports are played for our school teams.
Recreation provides senior programs such as field trips and tailored fitness classes. Recreation also provides special events like Movies in the Park, Fall Harvest, Parent and Me dances, Snowfest, and the popular “Trunk or Treat” before Halloween.
The Recreation fund also maintains city properties such as Pulaski Park and Karpinski Park, with play structures and splash pads. There are parks at Early Childhood, Kosciuszko, Dickinson East and Holbrook Schools. There is a large play structure at Veterans Park, as well as plenty of green space for residents.
The Millage proposal is on the August 4, 2026 ballot and absentee ballots were recently mailed out. Early voting is at Hamtramck city hall from now through Aug. 2.
Again: the millage is a renewal at the current rate of 3.93 mills ($3.93 per $1,000 of assessed value). It is a renewal of the current millage and does not raise taxes. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 4.
(Linda Wolyniec is a member of the Hamtramck Public School District Board of Education.)
Posted July 2, 2026