The Clarkston Community Schools non-homestead millage proposal is on Page 2 of the two-sided ballot.
Don't forget to flip the ballot over to cast your vote!
- About the Proposal
- Ballot Language
- Voting Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
About the Proposal
On November 5, 2024, Clarkston Community Schools will ask voters to approve a Non-Homestead Operating Millage Renewal, allowing the district to continue levying 18 mills on non-homestead property (businesses, commercial, and rental property). This renewal will not affect the taxes on the house in which you live; it is only levied on commercial, industrial, second homes, and rental properties.
Important Facts
Informational Materials
Funds are used for...
- General Operating Budget
- Student Programs
- Staffing
- Services
Millage Background
- Supported by CCS voters since the 1990s
- Required by the State to receive full funding
- Impacts all CCS students and staff
Financial Facts
- Provides approximately $10 million in 2026
- 18 mills levy max (25.8457 mills authorized)
- This is a renewal, not a new tax
Properties Affected
- Businesses
- Second homes
- Rental properties
- NOT primary residences or agricultural
Ballot Language
OPERATING MILLAGE PROPOSAL - CLARKSTON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
“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. The remaining 7.8457 mills are only available to be levied to restore millage loss as a result of the reduction required by the “Headlee” amendment to the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and will only be levied to the extent necessary to restore that reduction. Shall the currently authorized millage rate limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in the Clarkston Community Schools, Oakland County, Michigan, be renewed by 25.8457 mills ($25.8457 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 10 years, 2026 to 2035, 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 2026 is approximately $10,217,813 [this is a renewal of millage that will expire with the 2025 tax levy].”
Voting Information
Your Vote Matters!
Learn more about voting in Michigan, register to vote, apply for an absentee ballot, and moreby visiting the Michigan Voter Information Center.
Register to Vote
Voter Registration Deadlines
Email by Mon Oct 21, 2024
Post Received by Mon Oct 21, 2024
In-Person Request by Tue Nov 5, 2024
Early Voting
Absentee Voting
Absentee Ballot Request Deadlines
Request to Receive Blank Ballot by Mail by Fri Nov 1, 2024, 5:00 PM
In-Person Request by Mon Nov 4, 2024, 4:00 PM
Emergency Ballot Request by Tue Nov 5, 2024, 4:00 PM
Election Day Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
On November 5, 2024, Clarkston Community Schools will ask voters to approve a Non-Homestead Operating Millage Renewal, allowing the district to continue levying 18 mills on non-homestead property (businesses, commercial, and rental property). This renewal will not affect the taxes on the house in which you live; it is only levied on commercial, industrial, second homes, and rental properties.
- Is this a new tax?
- What will the millage renewal cost homeowners?
- Will this increase taxes on Non-Homestead properties?
- What does “Non-Homestead” mean?
- If property taxes don’t fund schools anymore, why is the school district asking for a millage renewal?
- If school districts cannot collect more than 18 mills, why is Clarkston Community Schools asking for a renewal of 25.8457 mills?
- What if the millage is not approved?
- How does Clarkston Community Schools use the money provided by the millage?
- Will taxpayers have to pay an additional cost to fund a ballot initiative for the millage renewal?
- When will the election take place?
- Where can I get more information?
Is this a new tax?
No, this is not a new tax. Clarkston Community Schools residents last approved the same request in March 2020. Because the previously approved millage is expiring next year, the district is requesting another 10-year renewal in the November 5, 2024 election.
What will the millage renewal cost homeowners?
Nothing! There is no additional cost to homeowners. The 25.8457mills Non-Homestead Renewal only applies to industrial and commercial properties, local businesses, and secondary residences.
Will this increase taxes on Non-Homestead properties?
No, this will not increase taxes on non-homestead properties. The ballot proposal is for a millage renewal, not an increase. Owners of non-homestead properties will continue to pay the same 18-mill millage rate they are currently paying.
What does “Non-Homestead” mean?
Non-homestead properties include homes that are not a family’s primary residence (vacation homes, for example), local businesses, and industrial, commercial, rental, and some agricultural properties.
If property taxes don’t fund schools anymore, why is the school district asking for a millage renewal?
As a result of Michigan’s school funding structure detailed in Proposal A, districts are required to collect 18 mills on non-homestead properties so that the district can receive its full $9,608 per-pupil funding support from the state. The law requires voters to approve the collection of the 18 mills via an election. Because the previously approved millage will expire next year, voters must choose to renew the millage.
If school districts cannot collect more than 18 mills, why is Clarkston Community Schools asking for a renewal of 25.8457 mills?
In 1999, school operating budgets were permanently reduced from 18 mills via the Headlee Amendment. Under the amendment, local units of government (including school districts) are required by law to reduce a millage rate when the growth on existing property is greater than the rate of inflation.
To restore the full operational dollars authorized by the state under Proposal A, voters are asked to approve a millage exceeding 18 mills to anticipate any necessary adjustments for a deficit caused by a “Headlee rollback” and ensure a full per-pupil allowance from the state. The district can never collect more than the maximum amount of 18 mills. The balance of the approved millage, 7.8457 mills, is only used in the event of possible future Headlee rollbacks.
What if the millage is not approved?
The State of Michigan assumes all school districts collect the Non-Homestead millage of 18 mills, which is deducted from the per-pupil state allowance it provides to each district. If the millage renewal is not approved, the state will NOT make up the difference, meaning the district will lose $1,083 per student in the Clarkston Community Schools, amounting to approximately $10.2 million of operating revenue lost.
How does Clarkston Community Schools use the money provided by the millage?
The Non-Homestead millage comprises approximately $10.2 million, or nine percent (9%), of Clarkston Community Schools’ operating revenue. The millage allows the district to collect the full per-pupil funding for operating revenues, amounting to approximately $1,083 per student. These funds are used to pay for staffing, purchase textbooks and classroom supplies, and operate the district’s school buildings.
Clarkston Community Schools is committed to fiscal responsibility. Since 2005, the district has completed 11 refundings, resulting in a total net savings of $30.5 million, and invested the debt funds for an additional $775,000 in interest gains.
Will taxpayers have to pay an additional cost to fund a ballot initiative for the millage renewal?
No, the State of Michigan is already holding the General Election on November 5, 2024.
When will the election take place?
When will the election take place?
The election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to
8:00 p.m. Voters will cast their ballots in the same precinct where they vote during the
general elections. Please contact the Oakland County Clerk’s Office for a complete list of voting precincts.
Where can I get more information?
Contact the Superintendent’s Office at 248.623.5408 or send an email tohsmcclain@clarkston.k12.mi.us of the Office of School and Community Relations at (248)623-5460 or klallen@clarkston.k12.mi.us.
