Voters will consider on Tuesday, May 7 renewing the current 10-year operating millage, an assessment of 18 mills on non-homestead properties.
If approved, homeowners will not see an increase in their primary residence property tax. Non-homestead properties have not been designated as a primary residence, but are businesses, rental properties and vacation homes. The millage would be renewed through 2029.
The millage has been in place since 1994. Under Proposal A, a measure that changed the funding formula for the state’s public schools, a renewal of the 18 mills is required periodically by voters in order for the district to continue collecting the millage.
The millage provides approximately 16.9 percent, or over $18.2 million, of the school district’s annual operating budget. If not approved, the district would lose more than $18 million of funding for the 2020-21 school year, and a similar amount each following year.
“The non-homestead funding is critical to our everyday operations in Kentwood Public Schools,” said Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff. “Losing over $18 million of the district’s operating budget would have a major impact on the educational programs offered to our students and the community.”
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