Hello Stephanie:

 

I believe you are talking about a Headley “Override.”

 

A Headley Override is a separate millage that requests an additional levy to cover the gap between what an existing millage was originally approved for, and the amount that is actually levied due to Headley.

 

It is considered a new millage, so the same procedures and requirements apply as it the library were proposing another millage. The language simply explains that it is a roll-back.

 

The trick is the voter education that the millage is not really an additional charge, but a restoration of the authority to actually levy the amount originally approved by the voters. Depending on your community, you will want a robust “yes committee.”

 

Here is some more information: https://mml.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/x-FS-Headlee-Plus-2026.pdf “Headley Rollback and Headley Override” Information sheet from the Michigan Municipal League.

 

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what_is_a_headlee_override - MSU Extension-Government- “What is a Headley Override?”

 

I hope this is helpful! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can provide additional information.

 

Sincerely,

Clare

 

Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D.

Library Law Consultant

Library of Michigan

MembielaC@michigan.gov

517-335-8132

 

The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

 

“the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge.” Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965).

 Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan

Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated

Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote.

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: EMAIL TEAM via Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Sent: Friday, January 16, 2026 8:08 AM
To: Michlib Listserv <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Subject: [Michlib-l] Fw: Headly Roll Back

 

CAUTION: This is an External email. Please report suspicious emails via the "Report to Abuse" button in Outlook

 

--

Dear Librarians,

 

Did any library pursue the headly roll back  for their library? and how was it done?  We can't ask for an increase in millage but my Board wanted me to explore the possibility of capturing the roll back for additional funding.

 

Stephanie Daniels, Director

 

Vanderlyn Community Center & Hartford Public Library
12 Church Street 

Hartford, MI 49057

(269)588-5103