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May 2025 Operating Millage Renewal FAQ

Operating Millage Renewal FAQ – May 6, 2025

What are we voting on?

  • Renewal of the 18 mills operating millage on non-homestead property (businesses, rentals, second homes).
  • This is not a new tax.
  • The ballot asks for 19.4672 mills, but the district can only levy up to 18 mills.
  • Allows the district to collect the full 18 mills if future property value increases reduce the rate.
  • Primary residences are not affected.
     

 

When is the vote?

🗳️ Tuesday, May 6, 2025
🕖 Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
📍 Polling locations are White Pigeon Township Hall and Porter Township Hall

 

Will this increase my taxes?

  • No.
     
    • If you live in your home (primary residence), this does not affect you.
    • For owners of businesses, rentals, or second homes, you will continue paying the same 18 mills as you have since 1994.
       

 

Didn’t we already pass a bond and sinking fund recently?

  • Yes, but that bond and sinking fund are completely separate.
  • Bond and sinking funds are only for building improvements, construction, and equipment.
  • They cannot be used for daily operations.
     

 

What does the millage pay for?

  • Operating expenses, including staff, supplies, and programs.
  • It allows the district to receive the full per-pupil funding from the State of Michigan.
  • If approved, WPCS will receive about $4.2 million in 2025.
  • This is not new money, just a continuation of current funding.

 

What is the official ballot language?

Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in White Pigeon Community Schools, St. Joseph and Cass Counties, Michigan, be increased by 19.4672 mills ($19.4672 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 6 years, 2025 to 2030, 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 2025 is approximately $4,268,865 (this is a renewal of millage that expired with the 2024 tax levy)?

 

Still have questions?

📞 Superintendent Shelly McBride
📍 410 E. Prairie, White Pigeon, MI
📧 smcbride@wpcschools.org
🌐 www.wpcschools.org