Fenton School Voters Asked to Renew Non-Homestead Millage Levy in Nov. 5 Election

From a news release:

Fenton Area Public Schools voters will be asked to renew the operating millage (non homestead) levy on the Tuesday, Nov. 5, ballot.

Superintendent Timothy Jalkanen explained the rate won’t change if appoved and that “approving this renewal keeps things as they are now.”

The tax applies to businesses and non-homestead property only.

“This is not a tax on a primary home,” Jalkanen said. “If approved, taxes on residential homes are not affected by this non-homestead renewal.”

Furthermore, he said, “this is not a tax increase for area businesses.”

Under Proposal A, the state of Michigan contributes the majority of local school funding dollars, but to receive full funding, school districts must levy 18 mills on non homestead property within the school district.  

This non-homestead millage generates revenues of approximately $4.2 million annually and has been in place since 1995.  

“The district depends on this revenue for the day-to-day operations,” Jalkanen said. “It supports each and every aspect of the entire school district. Without this renewal, the district budget would dramatically be impacted.”

The November non-homestead renewal is for 21 mills. By law, school districts may only levy 18 mills, but often districts ask for additional mills as protection against a Headlee rollback. Being authorized above 18 mills is solely for protection against a Headlee rollback if it were to happen over this seven year millage renewal, Jalkanen said.