U.P. School Districts Millage Voting Results
In Luce County and portions of Mackinac, Chippewa, and Schoolcraft Counties, voters were asked to decide on a millage proposal for the Tahquamenon Area Schools. District officials were asking for 22 mills over ten years.
In Michigan, schools are not allowed to collect more than 18 mills for operational purposes. The 1978 Headlee Amendment to the Michigan Constitution requires local units of government to reduce their millage rates when annual growth on existing property is more than the rate of inflation. In order to receive the full 18 mills, and make up what’s lost with through the Headlee reduction, the state requires districts to ask voters for an increase above 18 mills even though they can’t actually collect more.
The only other way to receive all 18 mills, is to hold annual elections. But, in order to do so, the Tahquamenon Area School Board would have to spend between $5,500 and $6,500. Officials say, when added up over the course of 10 years, passing the 22 mill proposal would actually save the district close to $50,000. Because it didn’t pass, the board will have to go back to the voters to request the standard 18 mills, which could be cut into, on May 6th.
TOTAL
YES – 260
NO – 308
SENEY
YES – 6 NO – 7
PORTAGE TOWNSHIP
YES – 27 NO – 64
McMILLAN TOWNSHIP
YES – 99 NO – 63
HULBERT TOWNSHIP
YES – 14 NO – 7
COLUMBUS TOWNSHIP
YES – 6 NO – 18
LAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP
YES – 40 NO – 96
PENTLAND TOWNSHIP
YES – 68 NO – 53
Residents of Osceola Township passed an 18 mill renewal proposal for the Dollar Bay-Tamarack City Area Schools, extending the millage plan through 2023.
YES – 70
NO – 12
Residents in Delta and Menominee Counties turned down a bond proposal that would help remodel the Bark River-Harris School District’s building.
YES – 125
NO – 577
Voter turnout: 28%
The proposal would have allowed the district to borrow up to $3.58 million, and issue general obligation unlimited tax bonds for building on additions at the school, remodeling the school building, and developing and improving the site’s playgrounds.
Superintendent Jason Lockwood said the issues the district is facing are still prevalent, and the school board will go back to the drawing board to re-evaluate the proposal.