Kenowa Hills — Members of the Kenowa Hills community will be asked to consider a non-homestead operating millage proposal on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The proposal would allow the district to continue levying the full, state-authorized allotment of 18 mills permitted on non-homestead properties. The current authorization for this millage is expiring and the new proposal would cover tax years 2027 to 2036.
This operating millage generates more than $17 million annually for Kenowa Hills and represents approximately 30% of its day-to-day operating budget. The district relies on the funding to provide programs, services, transportation, utilities and classroom resources for staff and students.
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 Michigan’s school funding formula. The operating millage does not apply to a homeowner’s principal residence, which is exempt.
“This is not a new tax,” Superintendent Cherie Horner said. “We want voters to have a clear understanding of both the proposal itself and the role this revenue currently plays in operating Kenowa Hills Public Schools.”
Horner said if the millage is not approved, the state does not replace that funding and the district would face a significant loss.
“The district could not absorb a loss of more than $17 million annually within its existing budget without substantial reductions and changes to staffing, programs, services and other areas of school operations,” she said.
More information is available on the district’s operating millage proposal website.
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