Northview — Voters in Northview Public Schools next week will be asked to renew the district’s non-homestead operating millage that will expire in 2027. Election day is Tuesday, May 5.
Approval of the 15-year levy would authorize a millage rate of 18.3894 mills, matching the current rate and generating revenue of approximately $5.3 million for the district.
That money funds day-to-day operations, including teacher and staff salaries and benefits; classroom supplies and instructional materials; utilities and maintenance; and student services including transportation, counseling and special education programs.
By law, the state of Michigan requires school districts to levy a maximum of 18 mills on non-homestead property in order to receive the full per-pupil foundation allowance. The additional 0.3894 mills in the proposal is included as a cushion to allow the district to continue to levy the full millage in the event of a Headlee rollback. Rollbacks occur when a local government’s millage rate must be reduced because the assessed value of existing property increases faster than the rate of inflation.
“The operating millage renewal is important to Northview because it allows us to maintain the programs, staffing levels and class sizes that our community has come to expect,” said Director of Finance and Operations Julie Bylsma. “This isn’t ‘extra’ money; it’s a required part of our foundation allowance that the state expects us to collect from the local community. Without it, the district will lose over $5 million per year.”
The millage does not apply to primary residences in Northview Public Schools, and is only applied to non-homestead properties including rental and vacation homes and commercial and industrial properties. Since the proposal matches the district’s current rate, approval would not result in a tax increase.
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