2025 Non-Homestead Operating Millage Renewal: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Non-Homestead Operating Millage?
A: The Non-Homestead Operating Millage is an existing millage in our district and is used to fund essential operations. Michigan public schools are funded through a combination of state and local taxes. All districts are required by the state to collect a portion of this funding through a local non-homestead property tax millage of 18 mills in order to receive the school’s full per-pupil funding.
Q: Why is the District asking voters to consider the Non-Homestead Operating Millage?
A: Our current millage was approved in 2015 and expires in 2025. Approval would renew the existing millage for a period of 10 years.
Q: What does the District do with these funds?
A: This millage generates approximately $1.1 million annually, which the District uses to fund instructional programs, staffing, transportation, and other essential operating expenses.
Q: How much would this cost per household?
A: Generally, there is NO COST for primary residences of property owners. The proposed millage would be levied ONLY on non-homestead properties (this includes business, commercial, some agricultural holdings, rental properties, vacation homes). If your property was not subject to this tax previously, nothing will change unless your property class changes. Failure of this proposal would not lower your taxes on your owned primary residence.
Q: What happens if the proposal is not approved?
A: Our current millage expires this year. Without approval from voters to renew the millage, Webberville Schools would be forced to consider the reduction or elimination of programs and services to offset the loss in revenue.
Q: Do other school districts levy a Non-Homestead Operating Millage?
A: Generally, all Michigan public school districts must levy a Non-Homestead Operating Millage in order to obtain their full per-pupil foundation allowance from the state.
Q: Why do I see both 18 mills and 20 mills on the ballot?
A: It is because of something called a Headlee Rollback, which occurs when home values rise faster than inflation. When this happens, the District’s operating millage is reduced and may fall below 18 mills. The 20 mills allows us room if there are reductions, but we cannot ever collect more than 18 mills. In 2015, our voters approved the Non-Homestead Operating Millage at 20 mills.
Q: How does this differ from the Sinking Fund Levy that was approved in 2023?
A: This millage impacts only the general fund operating budget and is NOT related to the Sinking Fund Levy, which supports ongoing facility improvements and repairs.
Q: Where do I go to vote on May 6th?
A: Complete information on registering and voting can be found at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/.
Q: Where can I find more information if I have questions?
A: Visit www.webbervilleschools.org or contact Superintendent Andrew Smith, at 517-897-2437 or ansmith@webbervilleschools.org.
