PCCS district voters should be aware of non-homestead property tax proposal
Feb. 15, 2024 PLYMOUTH VOICE.
Plymouth Michigan News
Early voting for Michigan’s presidential primary begins this Saturday and tax payers should be aware this is not just a “Presidential Primary.”
On the ballot for the Feb. 27 election is an operating tax Michigan school districts levy on non-homestead properties.
Voters living in the Plymouth Canton school district will have the opportunity to vote on a millage renewal proposal in addition of selecting a presidential primary candidate. One confounding fact is that the majority of people who get to vote on these taxes do not own non-homestead property.
Non-homestead property represents industrial, commercial, second homes, certain agricultural properties and businesses in the respective school district. The proposal does not impact property taxes on a homeowner’s principal residence.
All Michigan property owners, homestead and non-homestead, pay a 6-mill state education tax every year. However, the non-homestead owner must pay an additional 18-mills-four times as much as the average homeowner, for a total of 24-mills.
Non-homestead property taxes are one factor on how school districts are funded in Michigan since the 1990’s. Many say the state’s school funding system is unfair and needs to be reformed.
This time around, School Superintendent, Monica Merritt, is asking for a 20-year term for the millage that expires this year; wherein historically previous renewals were for 10-years. Citing “voter fatigue” …” So many things are being asked of our community for various ballot initiatives,” Merritt was quoted as saying.
The millage is expected to generate, about 16% of the district’s general fund revenue. If the millage is not approved by voters, the state does not make up the shortfall.
Simply said, the complex language of the ballot proposal states,
“This operating millage if approved and levied, would provide estimated revenues to the School District of $33.5 million during the 2025 calendar year, to be used for general operating purposes.”
And…
“This renewal proposal will allow the School District to continue charging up to 18 mills of operating tax on most non-homestead properties including commercial properties, just like it was approved in 2014, and will expire in 2024. This tax levy does not apply to principal residences (homesteads) or other exempt properties. If there are future Headlee reductions of up to 4 mills, the School District can still charge up to 18 mills, ensuring that the School District will continue to receive the full money amount for each student allowed by the State.”
Be sure to exercise your right to vote on Feb. 27.
Plymouth Voice.
