Frequently Asked Questions
May 2, 2023 Millage Renewals
FAQ for Recreation Millage Renewal
What is the actual ballot language?
NORTHVIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE FUNDS
TO OPERATE A SYSTEM OF PUBLIC RECREATION AND PLAYGROUNDS
This proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy public recreation millage previously approved by the electors that will expire with the 2023 levy.
Shall the currently authorized millage rate limitation of .6973 mill ($0.6973 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property in Northview Public Schools, Kent County, Michigan, be renewed for a period of 20 years, 2024 to 2043, inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for operating a system of public recreation and playgrounds; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect for such recreation program if the millage is approved and levied in 2024 is approximately $560,000 (this is a renewal of millage that will expire with the 2023 tax levy)?
Is this a new tax?
No, it is important to note that if this proposal is approved it will not create new taxes. The recreation millage was last approved by the voters in 2004.
Why is the district asking for the renewal of the recreation millage?
The current recreation millage of .6973 mill expires with the 2023 levy.
How will the district utilize the revenues generated if the recreation millage is authorized?
If the recreation millage is renewed, the district will continue to support operational costs related to the Fitness Center, Aquatic Center, Performing Arts Center, Community Education & Enrichment Programs (adult and youth), and Youth Sports as well as continuing the practice of not requiring families of athletes and music students to “pay to play”.
What are the benefits of the recreation millage for residents who don’t have students in the District?
Northview school facilities and sites, including the Fitness Center, Aquatic Center and Performing Arts Center, are regularly used by community members who do not have school-aged children. Programs offered provide many opportunities for community members to be active both physically and mentally.
What is a mill?
A mill is $1.00 for every $1,000 of taxable valuation on property.
How much will the millage cost an average homeowner each year?
.6973 mills represents $0.6973 per year for each $1,000 of taxable value on real property. Taxable value normally is set at one-half of market value.
The table below illustrates the estimated costs of different property values:
FAQ for Building and Site Sinking Fund Millage Renewal
What is the actual ballot language?
NORTHVIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SINKING FUND MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL
This proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy the building and site sinking fund millage that expires with the 2024 tax levy.
Shall the currently authorized millage rate of 1.1472 mills ($1.1472 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) which may be assessed against all property in Northview Public Schools, Kent County, Michigan, be renewed for a period of 10 years, 2025 to 2034, inclusive, to continue to provide for a sinking fund for the purchase of real estate for sites for, and the construction or repair of, school buildings, for school security improvements, for the acquisition or upgrading of technology and all other purposes authorized by law; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and levied in 2025 is approximately $920,000 (this is a renewal of millage that will expire with the 2024 tax levy)?
Is this a new tax?
No, it is important to note that if this proposal is approved it will not create new taxes. The building and site sinking fund millage was last approved by the voters in 2018.
Why is the District asking for the renewal of the sinking fund authorization?
The current sinking fund millage of 1.1472 mills expires with the 2024 levy.
Will homeowners pay both the current sinking fund millage and the new sinking fund millage at the same time?
No, the new sinking fund millage will begin only after the existing sinking fund millage expires. The current sinking fund millage expires in 2024 and the new sinking fund millage, if approved, will begin in 2025.
What will the District use the sinking fund millage for?
The District expects to use the sinking fund millage for the construction and repair of school facilities as well as for security and technology upgrades. Some immediate needs include parking lots and roof repairs.
What has the District used the sinking fund millage for in the past?
A few key projects funded with sinking fund dollars include adding secure vestibules at Crossroads and West Oakview, new boilers for pool, improvements to varsity baseball field and dugouts, install safety netting at softball & baseball fields, install LED lights throughout District, walking track at High School, parking lot improvements throughout District, roof repairs throughout the District.
What is a mill?
A mill is $1.00 for every $1,000 of taxable valuation on property.
How much will the millage cost an average homeowner each year?
1.1472 mills represents $1.1472 per year for each $1,000 of taxable value on real property. Taxable value normally is set at one-half off market value.
The table below illustrates the estimated costs of different property values:
What happens if this millage does not pass?
If the sinking fund millage is not approved by the voters, the general fund will be required to cover the cost of repairs to school facilities which may require significant reductions to instructional programs and services.
