September 15th is the day the Authority decides how to spend your art millage dollars in 2027, and reviews whether the DIA is actually delivering what it promised in exchange for them.

That’s the real substance of this meeting. Everything else is reports and housekeeping.

The 3 items worth your attention

The FY2027 budget (item XI) is the biggest decision on the table. Treasurer Amy Carter will present the spending plan that determines how millage revenue collected from Oakland County property owners gets divided up for the coming year. No dollar figures are in the public agenda, so the detail lives in Carter’s presentation.

The DIA service agreement review (item XII) is essentially a check on the deal. This contract spells out exactly what programs and services the Detroit Institute of Arts is required to deliver to county residents in exchange for millage funding. Reviewing it now means the Authority can flag any gaps before the budget is locked in for FY2027.

Mid-year numbers from the DIA come in item IX, presented by Julie McFarland. It’s a half-year look at 2026 performance, programs run, activity delivered, how the regional art tax has been used since January. If you’re a millage payer curious whether the museum is holding up its end, this is the update to watch.

Also notable

Chair Rajpal gives a report at item VII. Bo Cheng and Dave Flynn present a DIA Board governance and operations update at item VIII. Public comment is item V; if you want to address the Authority, that’s your window.

Public comment and meeting details

Item V is the designated public comment period for this meeting. Check the Oakland County Art Institute Authority’s official meeting notice for location, time, and any virtual participation options.

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