Operating Millage Proposal

When is the operating millage proposal on the ballot?
August 6, 2024

Why did this district select this date for the proposal?
By selecting an election date that was already in use (August 6, 2024 is the Primary), the district saved money and had minimal election expenses.

Does this millage impact the property taxes on my home?
No, this millage does not apply to primary residences like the home that you live in.

Who does this millage apply to?
Non-homestead properties; which are businesses, vacation homes, rental properties, vacant land, etc...

What is the current millage rate on non-homestead properties?
17.6862 mills.

If passed, how many mills will be collected on non-homestead properties?
If passed, 18 mills would be collected on all non-homestead properties instead of the current rate of 17.6862 mills.

When was the last time that the district asked for a non-homestead operational millage?
Voters approved 18 mills on all non-homestead properties in 2014 for 20 years.

If the voters approved 18 mills in 2014, why is the current millage rate 17.6862?
The State of Michigan requires school district's to reduce the millage rate when property values grow faster than the rate of inflation. Property values have increased beyond the rate of inflation over the past few years, which has reduced the millage rate.

Why is the district asking for an increase of 3 mills, when only 0.3138 are needed to get back to 18 mills?
The district is capped at collecting 18 mills. By asking for 3 mills, the district will remain at a collectable 18 mills through the expiration of the millage in 2034 even if the millage rate continues to erode.

If passed, what would the increase be for a business or non-primary residence assessed at $250,000?
$78.45 per year.

If passed, what would the increase to the rental property that I live in be if it were assessed at $125,000?
$3.27 per month.

If passed, what would the increase be for a house/primary-residence assessed at $125,000, $250,000, etc...?
$0, there would be no increase.

If passed, what increases in revenue would the district see?
Approximately $61,800.

What can the funds be used for?
Salaries, benefits, materials, supplies, utilities, etc.

Is this being proposed to pay for the new video scoreboard in the high school football stadium?
No, the video scoreboard project is funded through business sponsorships.

What things might the district use the additional funds for?
*Adding a second section of Begindergarten next school year so that Begindergarten is offered on both sides of the district.
*Adding an EL Teacher at Congress/Wenzel to support students with a primary home language other than English.
*Adding a Suspension Avoidance Program
*Enhancing school meals alongside a new culinary partner which will require upgraded equipment to prepare from scratch meals.

What is the actual ballot language?
This proposal will allow the school district to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance. Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in The Sturgis Public School District, St. Joseph County, Michigan, be increased by 3 mills ($3.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 11 years, 2024 to 2034, inclusive, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and levied in 2024 is approximately $61,800 (this millage is to restore millage lost as a result of the reduction required by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and will be levied only to the extent necessary to restore that reduction)?

How can I learn more?
Here is a recording of the presentation that was prepared for the three informational sessions at Sturgis Central Commons (107 W. West Street, Sturgis, MI 49091) in the Board Room that were open to the public on Thursday, July 25, 2024. The sessions were at 7:00am, 12:00pm, and 5:00pm. We selected these times in an effort to provide options that would be accessible for various work and life schedules.

Sturgis

Public Schools

Sturgis

Public Schools