On May 2, Hartland Consolidated School District voters will have the opportunity to renew the Non-Homestead Millage that levies 18 mils on commercial, some agriculture and non-principal residences. It will not change taxes on your principal residence and will only cost you the time that it takes to vote. This is not a new tax or an unscheduled special election. Every Michigan school district since Proposal A in 1994 must obtain a portion of their per-pupil foundation allowance from a locally collected non-homestead millage. For Hartland Schools, it provides 10% of the total budget or about $5.4 million per year.
If the millage is defeated, the budget reduction will negatively impact school security, teaching staff, class size, electives and field trips. Groups that use the school district’s facilities — like the Hartland Senior Center, Community Education, Hartland Gymnastics and Washtenaw Community College — could easily see these benefits reduced or eliminated if the school district’s funds decrease. Furthermore, compromising the quality of education can trigger a drop in home values. A well-funded school district is as essential as location for most prospective home buyers
Approval of the Non Homestead Millage is imperative to our schools and community. The State of Michigan will not replace the lost funding if the millage fails. Vote “YES” on May 2.
Evelyn Gallegos
Brighton
