Residents in the Howell Public Schools district who are interested in learning more about the two non-homestead operating millage proposals on the Nov. 3 ballot are invited to an informational meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the Edinburgh Room of the district’s Administrative Office at 411 N. Highlander Way.
During the meeting, district representatives will provide an overview of the two proposals, explain why the non-homestead operating millage is required for the district to receive its full per-pupil funding level established by the State of Michigan, and share how the funds support district operations. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the proposals.
“We want to ensure that our community has all the information they need to make an informed decision when considering the two non-homestead operating millages that will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. We encourage anyone who would like to learn more, or who has questions about the proposals, to attend the community meeting on Oct. 7,” said Erin J. MacGregor, Howell Public Schools superintendent. “As the name implies, the non-homestead operating millage is not assessed against owner-occupied primary residences, and families will not see an increase in their taxes if the renewal passes.”
The two proposals will ask residents to consider renewing the district’s current non-homestead operating millage authorization of 18.4411 mills and restoring 0.6084 mills that have been reduced over time due to Headlee Amendment rollbacks. If approved, the restoration would return the district’s authorized non-homestead operating millage to 19.0495 mills, the rate approved by voters in 2014. Although voters are being asked to authorize a total of 19.0495 mills, Michigan law limits school districts to levying no more than 18 mills for non-homestead operating purposes. Authorizing more than 18 mills provides a cushion against future Headlee Amendment rollbacks, helping ensure the district can continue to levy the full 18 mills without seeking additional voter approval.
Since the passage of Proposal A in 1994, Michigan school districts have been required to levy an 18-mill non-homestead operating millage to receive their full per-pupil funding established by the State of Michigan. For the current fiscal year, the district’s non-homestead operating millage provides approximately 20% of the district’s operating budget, or about $20 million. These funds help cover day-to-day operating expenses, including teacher and staff salaries, textbooks, instructional supplies, utilities, transportation and building maintenance.
The Howell Public Schools Administrative Office is located at 411 N. Highlander Way, Howell.
To learn more about the proposals, visit HowellSchools.com/Renewal.
