This News and Notes has a special purpose--sharing information about a couple of very important ballot proposals. Please give some of your time to learn about the issues; I’ll try to condense them.
“Operating Millage Renewal”
The first proposal is an “Operating Millage Renewal.” What is it? This is a renewal tax on businesses and second homes in the district. Every ten years we have to renew this tax on non-homestead properties. This tax is NOT imposed on your primary residence, but you can vote on it.
Quick Facts About the Operating Millage:
- This renewal comprises approximately 20% of our overall budget.
- WLPS voters last approved it in 2007.
- It is often referred to as the Non-homestead Renewal.
- Homeowners are exempt from this tax but can still vote on it.
“Sinking Fund Millage”
The second proposal I call the “sinking fund” but the ballot language calls it “Millage Proposal, Building and Site Sinking Fund Tax Levy.” I like my version better, but tax attorneys tell me otherwise. What is it? A 1 mill, 3-year proposed tax which will be used to update and acquire technology, repair facilities and renovate some classrooms.
Quick Facts About the Sinking Fund Millage:
- The revenue generated will be used immediately to acquire and update the district’s wireless backbone allowing the use of additional devices in the classrooms in addition to using current technology more effectively.
- Some elementary classrooms will be renovated (e.g. art and music rooms).
- Athletic facilities will be repaired.
- The ballot includes language about “purchase of real estate…” That is required legal language. WLPS doesn’t have any plans to purchase property.
- How much will it cost? Most homeowners will pay less than $100 per year for 3 years. (1 mill is $1 for every $1000 of taxable home value).
- How much will 1 mill generate? Approximately $335,000 a year for 3 years.
- Why do we need it? A sinking can only be used for renovation/repair. However, by using sinking fund revenue when appropriate, we can protect our instructional funds (general fund).
For additional information on voting poll locations and more, click HERE.
The actual ballot language for each proposal is below.
Thank you for voting on August 2.
This proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance and renews millage that will expire with the 2016 tax levy.
Shall the currently authorized millage rate limitation of 19.4972 mills ($19.4972 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Whitmore Lake Public School District, Washtenaw and Livingston Counties, Michigan, be renewed for a period of 10 years, 2017 to 2026, inclusive, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and levied in 2017 is approximately $2,028,912 (this is a renewal of millage that will expire with the 2016 tax levy)?
MILLAGE PROPOSAL, BUILDING AND SITE SINKING FUND TAX LEVY
Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property in Whitmore Lake Public School District, Washtenaw and Livingston Counties, Michigan, be increased by and the board of education be authorized to levy not to exceed 1 mill ($1.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 3 years, 2016, 2017 and 2018, to create a sinking fund for the purchase of real estate for sites for, and the construction or repair of school buildings and all other purposes authorized by law; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and levied in 2016 is approximately $335,428?
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