Multiple districts — Voters in both Northview and Wyoming on Tuesday approved their districts’ non-homestead operating millage renewal proposals with strong support.
Northview Public Schools
In Northview, voters cast 2,312 votes in favor of the renewal and 841 against, according to unofficial election results from the Kent County Clerk’s office.
This 15-year levy, which will go into effect after the current millage expires in 2027, is expected to generate revenue of approximately $5.3 million for the district. It funds day-to-day operations including instructional materials, staff salaries and benefits, utilities, and student services.
Approval of the operating millage also includes an extra 0.3894 mills as a cushion, to allow the district to continue to levy the full millage in the event of a Headlee rollback. A rollback occurs when a local government’s millage rate must be reduced because the assessed value of existing property increases faster than the rate of inflation.
In a message to staff on Wednesday, Superintendent Christina Hinds said the approval is “a testament to our strong and supportive community. Our community shows up, and that is something to be so very thankful for!”
Wyoming Public Schools
Wyoming voters cast 1,841 votes in favor of the renewal and 1,043 against, according to unofficial election results from the Kent County Clerk’s Office.
The renewal ensures the district can continue to levy up to 18 mills allowed on non-homestead properties. Approval also authorizes a 4-mill cushion to allow the district to continue to levy the full millage in the event of a Headlee rollback.
The 10-year levy is expected to generate approximately $10.34 million in revenue for 2027, supporting the district’s $65 million operating budget, said Wyoming Public Schools Associate Superintendent Jamie Carnes.
What is an Operating Millage?
Under Michigan law, the maximum non-homestead operating millage a school district may levy is 18 mills. The state requires districts to levy 18 mills on non-homestead property in order to receive the full per-pupil foundation allowance.
Even with this provision, districts cannot levy more than the legal maximum of 18 mills.
Non-homestead millages do not apply to primary residences within a school district, and are only applied to non-homestead properties including rental and vacation homes, and commercial and industrial properties.
Reporter Erin Albanese contributed to this story.
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