Frequently Asked Questions

This proposal allows Kentwood Public Schools to levy up to 18 mills on non-exempt property, ensuring the district receives its full revenue per-pupil foundation allowance established by the state.

A mill is a unit of measure used to describe property tax revenues. A mill is equal to one dollar of property tax for every $1,000 dollars of taxable valuation. For example: 1-mill of property tax on a taxable valuation of $50,000 would be $50 of tax per year.

These funds are used in a variety of ways for day-to-day operations, including classroom supplies, transportation costs, athletic programs, teacher salaries, and utilities and maintenance for buildings, among other things.

No, this tax applies only to non-principal residence properties, such as businesses, rental properties, and second homes.

No, this is not a new tax. This millage is a restoration of previously authorized millage that has been reduced due to constitutional requirements (Headlee rollback) and a cushion for future reductions. This millage would help ensure the district can continue receiving its full revenue per-pupil foundation allowance established by the state.

Yes! After Proposition A was approved by voters in 1994 changing how schools were funded, voters have approved millages in 1999, 2009, and 2019. Operating millages are a part of school funding in Michigan and are necessary for the district to receive its full revenue per-pupil foundation allowance established by the state.

If the proposal is not approved, the school district may not receive its full revenue per-pupil foundation allowance established by the state, which could impact student programs, classroom resources, and staffing.

This proposal authorizes a cushion that allows the district to levy the full 18 mills on non-homestead property. The proposal seeks a cushion of 3.9295 mills ($3.9295 per $1,000 of taxable value) for a period of five years (2025-2029). The cushion will only be levied in the event that a headlee rollback occurs should property values increase greater than the rate of inflation.

If approved, the district expects to collect approximately $26 million in 2025 from the full 18-mill levy.

The millage will be in effect for five years, from 2025 to 2029.

The vote will take place on May 6, 2025. Absentee ballots will be available to the general public on March 27, 2025.

For more details, visit our website at: www.kentwoodps.org/ourdistrict/operating-millage-ballot-proposal-information/ or contact the Kentwood Public Schools administration office.