On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, Columbia School District voters will have the opportunity to vote on an operating millage proposal. The proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not exceeding 18 mills on non-homestead property. This vote will be renewed for a period of 5 years, 2025-2029. The estimated revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved is approximately $5,018,155.
Non-homestead properties are industrial, commercial, and some agricultural properties and “second homes” in the district. It does not include a family’s primary residence.
This structure ensures that the State pays the majority of the cost, but to receive total funding of $9,680 per pupil, schools must levy 18 mills on non-homestead property in their district.
The Headlee amendment to the Michigan Constitution caps property tax increases at 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. Since the growth rate of property values sometimes exceeds the inflation rate, the actual tax levy decreases when this occurs. This headlee amendment is called the Millage Reduction Fraction (MRF).
The operating millage proposal is not a new tax. Since 1994, the Columbia School District community has had the opportunity to vote to approve retaining the 18-mill non-homestead millage. In 2018, Columbia voters approved the operating millage. This original millage gave a combined total approval of 18.3362 mills. In May 2023, voters approved the Headlee override for one year. The maximum amount Columbia School District is allowed to levy is 18 mills every given year. In 2024, the original millage and the Headlee override expire, leaving the district with no non-homested millage.
If this millage does not pass, the State will not replace the difference in the level of funding, and Columbia School District will be forced to reduce or cut programs to offset the loss.
If you have any questions, please contact the Columbia School District Administration office at 517-592-6641.