Wyoming Voters Approve $10.3 Million School Millage Renewal for 10 Years
Wyoming voters approved a 10-year non-homestead operating millage renewal by 63.83 percent, securing $10.34 million annually for Wyoming Public Schools. The levy applies only to commercial and rental properties, not homeowners.
Wyoming Public Schools got a financial lifeline from voters last week. Residents approved a 10-year non-homestead operating millage renewal with 63.83 percent support, securing roughly $10.34 million in annual revenue for the district.
The measure passed on May 5 with 1,841 votes in favor and 1,043 against, according to unofficial results from the Kent County Clerk's Office.
What the millage funds
The levy supports the district's $65 million operating budget, said Jamie Carnes, Wyoming Public Schools Associate Superintendent. The money goes toward staff salaries, transportation, classroom services, and day-to-day school operations.
The millage allows the district to continue levying up to 18 mills on non-homestead property. Michigan law requires school districts to levy 18 mills on non-homestead property in order to receive the full per-pupil foundation allowance from the state.
The approval also authorizes a 4-mill cushion. That cushion protects the district from a Headlee rollback, which can force a reduction in millage rates when property values rise faster than inflation.
Who pays
The levy applies only to non-homestead properties. That includes rental homes, vacation properties, commercial buildings, and industrial sites. Homeowners whose primary residence is in the district will not pay the tax.
A district that shows up
The vote came as part of a broader wave of school funding measures across West Michigan. Several districts in Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties saw their millage proposals pass on the same ballot.
"Our community shows up, and that is something to be so very thankful for," Christina Hinds, Northview Public Schools Superintendent, wrote in a message to staff the day after the election.
Hinds was referring to Northview's own millage renewal, but the sentiment echoed across the region. Wyoming voters delivered a similar result, backing their school district's funding by a wide margin.
What comes next
The 10-year levy will go into effect after the current millage expires in 2027. The renewal gives the district a decade of predictable revenue to plan budgets and support students.
The Kent County Clerk's Office has not yet certified the final vote totals. Official results are expected in the coming weeks.
Reporting by Margaret Holloway, Grand Rapids Press Wire
Sources
AI-Generated Content Disclosure
This article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated content may contain errors. We encourage readers to verify information through the sources linked above.