- Fraser Public Schools
- Non-Homestead Replacement and Restoration
Non-Homestead Millage Replacement and Restoration
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Thank you to everyone who voted in the election.
The non-homestead operating millage renewal passed by a wide margin, with more than 61% of voters in favor.
The unofficial results are 2,512 votes in favor and 1,583 votes against.We appreciate the support from our community and your commitment to our district.
- Is an existing levy on commercial, business, and rental properties in our school district
- Has no impact on homeowner’s property taxes
- Provides 9.5% of the operating funds for Fraser Public Schools each year
- Is required to receive the full foundation allowance established by the state
- Is funding that goes directly to the district to help pay operational costs to educate students
Fraser Public Schools is asking voters to approve a replacement and restoration of the current non-homestead operating millage.
This proposal will not impact the taxes on owner-occupied homes in our district. Only second or rental homes, commercial properties and industrial properties are affected.
The non-homestead millage makes up approximately $5.7 million of the Fraser Public Schools’ $59.9 million annual budget.
Renewal of the non-homestead millage is essential to maintaining the current programs offered by the district. If this funding is lost, the district cannot replace it with any other funding source. While primary households are not affected by this millage, state law requires a district wide election to approve the millage.
- Fraser voters last approved the non-homestead operating millage in 2014.
- The millage is for a period of 20 years
- This is a tax assessed against businesses and second homes, NOT homeowners
- All residents in the Fraser Public Schools district vote on the renewal
- This money is used for district operations
- This money cannot be replaced by other funding sources
Ballot Language
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FRASER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
COUNTY OF MACOMB
STATE OF MICHIGAN
This proposal would replace, restore and extend the authority of the School District to levy the statutory limit of 18 mills on non-homestead property (principally industrial and commercial real property and residential rental property) which currently expires wit hthe School District's 2024 tax levy and allow the School District to continue to levy the statutory limit of 18 mills on non-homestead property in the event of future Headlee rollbacks of up to 3 mills. The authorization will allow the School District to continue to receive revenues at the full per pupil foundation allowance permitted by the State. Personal residences are extempt from this levy.
Shall the limitation on the total amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residences and other property extempted by law, situated within the Fraser Public Schools, County of Macomb, State of Michigan, be increased, in the amount of 21 mills with 18 mills being the maximum allowable levy ($18,00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation), for a period of twenty (20) years, 2021 to 2040, inclusive with 17.4682 mills of the above 21 mills being a replacement of authorized millage which will otherwise expire on June 30, 2025 and 0.5318 mills of the above 21 mills being a restoration of the millage lost as a result of the reduction required byt the Michigan Constitution? This operating millage if approved and levied, would provide estimtaed revenues to the School District of $5,700,000 during the 2021 calendar year, to be used for general operating purposes.
YES _____
NO _____
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does non-homestead mean?
Non-homestead represents industrial, commercial, second homes and some agricultural property. It does not include a family’s primary residence.
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Is this a new tax?
No. The non-homestead millage was last approved by voters in 2014. The current millage expires June 30, 2025.
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Why is Fraser Public Schools asking for 21 mills when the state only requires 18 mills?
Legally, Fraser Public Schools is only allowed to levy a maximum of 18 mills. Due to the Headlee amendment, the 18 mills is rolled back each year and the district is currently assessing 17.4682 mills on non-homestead property.
The district is seeking a replacement of the currently authorized 17.4682 mills which would otherwise expire on June 30, 2025, and a restoration of 0.5318 mills lost as a result of the reduction due to Headlee rollbacks. The remaining 3 mills would serve as a means to protect against future Headlee rollbacks. By approving more than 18 mills, voters can help guarantee a more stable budget for the district by ensuring the district is able to collect taxes on non-homestead property at the full 18 mills.
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I thought schools no longer received funding through property taxes. Why is Fraser Public Schools asking for a millage replacement and restoration?
Funding for Michigan school districts changed significantly when voters passed Proposal A in 1994. Under Proposal A, the state funds a portion of public school districts, but to receive full funding schools must levy 18 mills on non-homestead property in the district.
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I live in the Fraser Public Schools district. If the non-homestead millage renewal and replacement passes, will my property taxes increase?
No. The tax applies to non-homestead properties like commercial, industrial or rental property, not your primary residence.
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What if the millage does not pass?
If the non-homestead millage is not renewed, Fraser Public Schools will continue to not be able to assess the full 18 mils that voters approved in 2014. Due to the Headlee rollback, the district currently assesses 17.4682 mils. This amounts to $621,923 in lost revenue since 2014.
The State of Michigan will not replace the lost revenue; therefore, Fraser Public Schools would have to reduce programs and staff to reach a balanced budget.
Important Dates
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ELECTION DAY: November 2, 2021
September 18 - Absentee ballots available in local clerk's offices
October 18 - Last day to register to vote for the November election
October 29 - 5pm - Last day to register for an absentee ballot
November 1 - 4pm - Last day to cast an absentee ballot in person at the clerk's office
November 2 - Election Day. Polls open 7am - 7pm
Clerk's Offices
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City of Fraser
33000 Garfield
Fraser, MI 48026Charter Township of Clinton
Kim Meltzer, Clerk
40700 Romeo Plank
Clinton Township, MI 48038City of Roseville
Jennifer Zelmanski, Clerk
29777 Gratiot
Roseville, MI 48066