Highland fire chief calls texts tying fire millage to license plate cameras misleading
Highland Township residents got texts asking whether fire millage money should buy license plate readers like Flock. Fire Chief Nicholas George says the department has nothing to do with the cameras and no plans to buy them.
By OCJ Staff
Highland Township's fire chief is warning residents about text messages that link the township's Nov. 3 fire millage to license plate cameras, WDIV reported.
The texts asked residents whether they agree with letting Highland fire millage money be used to buy automated license plate readers such as Flock or Rekor, according to the station.
Fire Chief Nicholas George called the messages misleading. He told WDIV the fire department has no involvement with license plate readers and no plans to buy them with millage money.
It is not known who sent the texts, WDIV reported. George said he hopes whoever is behind them will stop. "It's sad they'll start pushing things that aren't true out there," he told the station.
What's on the ballot
Highland voters narrowly rejected a fire and EMS millage in August, 51% to 49%, and the township board put a revised question on the Nov. 3 ballot, as the Journal reported earlier this month.
According to the Oakland County Clerk's official proposal list, the question asks voters to renew 1.85 mills and add a 0.47-mill increase, for a total of 2.32 mills over six years, 2027 through 2032. It is estimated to raise about $2.73 million in its first year.
George told WDIV the money would help cover rising costs, including raises, contract negotiations and fuel.
Voters can read the exact ballot wording on the Oakland County Clerk's November 2026 proposal list at oaklandcountymi.gov, or on a sample ballot from the Highland Township clerk.
Why the cameras are a hot topic
License plate cameras have drawn debate across Oakland County this fall. South Lyon, Milford and Madison Heights have all moved to end their Flock contracts.
Early voting began Saturday, Oct. 24. Highland and White Lake voters share an early voting site at the Highland Township Hall Auditorium, 205 N. John St. See our early voting guide for hours and locations.
Sources: WDIV/ClickOnDetroit, "Highland Township fire chief warns of 'deceptive' texts ahead of millage vote" (Oct. 22, 2026, 6:51 p.m.); Oakland County Clerk's official Nov. 3, 2026, proposal list; earlier Journal coverage.