*Comstock Park, MI* — Comstock Park Public Schools will go to the ballot on Nov. 3 with a non-homestead operating millage proposal that would allow the district to continue levying the full, state-authorized 18 mills on non-homestead property.
The measure does not represent a tax increase. Under Proposal A, all Michigan school districts are required to levy 18 mills of operating millage on non-homestead property, which includes rental, vacation, business, and commercial property. Homeowners' primary residences are exempt from the tax.
"The proposed override millage would not increase taxes on principal residences," Superintendent David Washburn wrote in communications to residents. "Its purpose is to preserve the district's ability to collect the full operating millage authorized under state law and prevent the loss of critical revenue that supports students and district operations."
Under Michigan's 1978 Headlee Amendment, the growth of taxable values is capped at the lesser of the inflation rate or 5%. To levy the full 18 mills, a district must secure approval from registered voters. Districts collect the non-homestead property tax, and the total amount is subtracted from the district's state per-pupil funding allowance.
If the four-year levy is approved, it is expected to generate approximately $50,000 in 2027 for Comstock Park Public Schools. Revenue from the renewal would be directed to general district operating expenses.
Any registered voter within the Comstock Park Public School District is eligible to vote on the renewal. Polls will be open on Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can find their polling location and other voting options through Michigan Voter Information.