Rockford — When Rockford voters fill out their ballot on or before Nov. 3, they’ll be asked to consider a non-homestead operating millage proposal that would ensure the district continues to receive its full state funding allotment for another four years.
Non-homestead operating millages are taxes levied on businesses, rental properties, vacation homes and other non-primary residences to generate funding for local school districts as part of the state’s school funding formula. The millage rate can’t exceed 18 mills, but, because of the Headlee Amendment, it could dip below that amount if property values increase at a rate that outpaces inflation.
Rockford’s current millage is set to expire in 2027 and, to offset any potential Headlee losses, the district’s new proposal has 3 mills of cushion baked in. Voters will be asked if the limitation on taxes assessed by the district should be increased to 21 mills, but no more than 18 will be levied in any given year.
“It’s an added bit of protection, because if the non-homestead millage falls below 18 mills, the state does not make up the difference,” said Superintendent Steve Matthews of the cushion.
When the non-homestead millage was last approved, in 2022, the district asked for the same thing, but separated the 18 mills and the 3-mill cushion into separate ballot questions. This time it’s being rolled into one question.
Matthews said the operating millage generates a critical $9.5 million annually in general fund dollars, representing around 8% of the district’s overall budget.
The funding generated by the millage — which amounts to roughly $1,200 per student — is essential to basic district operations, Matthews said.
“We spend it primarily on people and on classroom supplies and materials,” he said. “Without that 18 mill, that $9.5 million, it would have a significant impact on staffing and the resources that we could supply in our classrooms.”
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