Goodrich Area Schools
Non-Homestead Millage Renewal Information
VOTE
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Precincts open 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
2016 Operating Millage Renewal Information
When Michigan voters approved Proposal A in 1994, they changed the way that our public schools receive their funding. Primarily, the funding now comes from an increased sales tax with less reliance on property taxes. The levy on homes and agricultural property was reduced to 6 mills. The levy on business and vacation homes was reduced to 24 mills.
Due to the Headlee Amendment, the state of Michigan could levy only six mills on all state property. That means local school districts are required to seek the additional 18 mills on businesses and vacation properties. The 18 mills represents the difference between 24 mills allowed by Proposal A and the 6 mills the state levies. The foundation grant funding from Proposal A assumes that districts levy 18 mills. If districts do not levy these mills, they do not get full per pupil funding from the state. On Tuesday, March 8, 2016, the voters of Goodrich Area Schools will see one school millage issue on the ballot for their consideration.
The issue is a six-year, 2017 to 2022, inclusive, renewal of the 18 mills, which is presently being levied on certain businesses. This renewal millage does not affect the property taxes home owners pay on their own residence or property tax on most agricultural property. For Goodrich Area Schools, this millage represents approximately $1,107,788. Public school districts use this millage as a major part of their budget for operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who pays the non-homestead tax levy operating millage? It is levied on non-homestead properties, such as industrial, commercial, and some agricultural properties and second homes. Primary residences and most agricultural land is exempt from the millage renewal.
- Is this a new tax? No, this a renewal. This millage has been in place since 1994 when state voters approved school districts to levy up to 18 mills on non-homestead property. State law dictates the district will never collect more than 18 mills.
- What happens if the millage renewal fails? Because a substantial portion of the district’s operating budget comes from this millage, we would be forced to ask for it again. Ultimately, if it fails, there would be significant cuts in programming for students.
- What does the money from the Non-Homestead Renewal tax pay for? The Non-Homestead tax revenue is used for the overall expenses of the General Fund Budget which include many items such as: technology, all instructional resources, building repairs/maintenance, transportation, and athletics.
From the Goodrich Area Schools Board of Education
Our schools are the heart of our community. We have a long standing tradition of support for our schools which has been a source of pride and strength for our school District.
On March 8th, the Board of Education encourages you to take part in the non-homestead millage renewal. We also hope this election information encourages you to vote.
A higher voter turnout on the non-homestead millage renewal will make education stronger in Goodrich.
Please feel free to contact our Superintendent, Mrs. Imbrunone at
810-591-2201 if you have questions about the millage renewal vote on
Tuesday, March 8, 2016.
Your vote on
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
will help determine the future of
nearly 2,100 Martians
who grow and learn
in Goodrich Area Schools
every day.
When and where do I vote?
Atlas Twp./Goodrich
Precinct #1:
St. Mark’s Catholic Church
7296 Gale Road, Goodrich
Precinct #2:
The River Church (formerly The Point)
9430 Perry Road, Goodrich
Precinct #3:
Victory Outreach Church
10291 Green Road, Goodrich
Precinct #4:
Goodrich Methodist Church
8071 South State Road, Goodrich
Davison Twp.
Precinct #7:
Faith Baptist Church
7306 E. Atherton Road , Davison Twp.
Grand Blanc Twp.
Precinct #10:
Grand Blanc High School
12500 Holly Road, Grand Blanc
Groveland Twp.
Precinct#1:
4695 Grange Hall Road, Holly
Hadley Twp.
Precinct #1:
4293 Pratt Road, Metamora
Precinct #2:
3551 Hadley Road, Metamora