NOTTAWA COMMUNITY SCHOOL OPERATIONAL MILLAGE RENEWAL
What is an operational millage?
Public schools in Michigan have operational millage to pay for operations. Every public school in St. Joseph County has an operational millage.
If passed, what would there be an increase?
NO INCREASE. THIS IS A RENEWAL There would be no increase to the operational millage.
Does this millage impact the property taxes on my home?
No, this millage does not apply to primary residences like the home that you live in.
Who does this millage apply to?
Non-homestead properties; which are businesses, vacation homes, rental properties, vacant land, etc...
What is the current millage rate on non-homestead properties?
The renewed millage rate would be approximately 19.466 mills, and the rate collected is 18 mills. There is no change in the tax collected. Under Michigan law, the millage collection is automatically reduced from 19.466 to 18 mills.
When was the last time that the district asked for a non-homestead operational millage?
In 2016 voters approved 20.788 mills with actually just 18 mills being charged on all non-homestead properties in 2016 for 10 years.
What does this mean if it renewed?
If renewed the school will continue to receive local funding for operations, just like all schools do. Currently the operational millage pays for $600.000 of operational costs. If not renewed by 2026 the school would lose this funding.
What can the funds be used for?
School Operations: Teachers, Staff, children’s materials, supplies, facility maintenance, utilities, etc.
How do I vote and when is the operating millage proposal on the ballot?
The operational millage proposal will be on the Tuesday, August 5th, 2025. Polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Contact your precinct with questions about absentee ballots starting June 26th, 2025. To find you polling site go to: www.michigan.gov/vote
Who may I speak with if I have further questions about the Operational Millage Renewal?
Contact the school office to speak with the Superintendent. (269) 467-7153
What is the actual ballot language?
NOTTAWA COMMUNITY SCHOOL
OPERATING MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL
This proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of
not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other
property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue
per pupil foundation allowance and renews millage that will expire with the 2026
tax levy.
Shall the currently authorized millage rate limitation of 19.4666 mills ($19.4666 on each $1,000
of taxable valuation) on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except
principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Nottawa Community School, St.
Joseph County, Michigan, be renewed for a period of 20 years, 2027 to 2046, inclusive, to
provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect
if the millage is approved and 18 mills are levied in 2027 is approximately $607,777 (this is a
renewal of millage that will expire with the 2026 tax levy)?