Fiscal Indicators  
 
Highland Township derives most of its revenue from state revenue sharing and from its operating millage, currently set at 0.6 mills annually over a taxable value of all properties of $631,662,471. Other revenues come from directed millages for police services (2.8343 mills), and fire services (0.9578). Other minor revenue streams include a cable franchise fee (approximately $100,000 per year), permit and review fees (which vary according to building activity in any given year), and some project specific grant revenues for operating senior services, constructing parks and trails, and the "Ride with Pride" program meeting transportation needs of disabled residents.
The tax base has grown at a much faster rate than the population, enabling the community to provide new services, while slowly rolling back the millage rate:

                             Tax Base                         Operating Millage                   Revenue 
     2003               $674,598,846                    .6000                                      $404,759 
     2004               $713,622,765                    .6000                                      $428,173
     2005               $754,299,940                    .6000                                      $452,580

State revenue sharing formulas are based on population. The Township fell short of reaching the 20,000 population mark in the 2000 census, which would have significantly increased the revenue share, enabling the Township to provide new infrastructure and utility services. In addition, state legislators have threatened to significantly reduce the revenue sharing formula to address state budget shortfalls.

There are two active industrial tax incentive programs. A third manufacturing firm operating under a tax abatement agreement failed after three years, and reverted some of its real property to the Township as compensation.

The DDA captures a tax increment over a base value established in 2001 and then expanded in 2004. The TIF plan will capture $14.8 M over 25 years.

The Township actively seeks grants and technical assistance wherever possible to assist its residents and property owners in obtaining the highest quality of life, protecting the natural resources and character of the community, as well as a reasonable return on their economic investments.