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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

No, the State of Michigan is already holding the General Election on November 5, 2024.

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.

Contact the Superintendent’s Office at 248.623.5408 or send an email to hsmcclain@clarkston.k12.mi.us of the Office of School and Community Relations at (248)623-5460 or klallen@clarkston.k12.mi.us.