Melanie Maxwell | melaniemaxwell@mlive.com

YCS asks for voter support on May 2

Ypsilanti Community Schools will bring a request for the renewal of its nonhomestead operating millage to voters on May 2. Scroll down for more information on the proposal, how the revenue will be spent and where to vote in the special election.

Don't Edit

MLive file photo

1. What is an operating millage?

Traditional public school districts in Michigan have the option to levy a non-homestead operating millage, which is capped at 18 mills.

Michigan schools are guaranteed a certain dollar amount per pupil from the state's school aid fund. The state sets the per pupil foundation allowance each year, subtracts the amount per pupil the district should raise from its 18-mill non-homestead tax, and then the school aid fund covers the difference.

Don't Edit

Lauren Slagter | The Ann Arbor News

2. Why does YCS need the revenue?

YCS is requesting an 18-mill non-homestead property tax levied from 2018 to 2022. The proposal includes the option to levy up to another 0.5 mills to restore YCS’ operating millage levy to the full 18 mills, after the millage rate was reduced slightly due to a Headlee rollback. With the option to levy the extra 0.5 mills, the maximum levy for the operating millage still would be 18 mills, said Taryn Reid, communication and marketing coordinator for YCS.

The operating millage is an important source of revenue for Ypsilanti Community Schools’ general fund. The general fund is used for staff salaries, school programs, technology upgrades, facility maintenance and any other costs associated with operating the school district.

“This is merely a renewal," said Superintendent Ben Edmondson. "This operating millage is about maintaining what we have now.”

Don't Edit

Katy Kildee | The Ann Arbor News

3. How much money will the operating millage raise?

The ballot language incorrectly states YCS would collect about $25.8 million a year if the operating millage proposal is approved. In fact, school officials estimate the annual operating millage revenue would be around $9 million, which is about 16.5 percent of YCS' total annual revenue. In 2016, YCS collected $8.55 million from its operating millage, according to a report from the Washtenaw County Equalization Department.

The YCS board of education is responsible for certifying the ballot language submitted to the Washtenaw County elections division, said Ed Golembiewski, director of elections for Washtenaw County. Golembiewski told The Ann Arbor News school officials have not requested an update to the ballot language they submitted, which would require reprinting ballots.

Don't Edit

Alex McDougall | amcdouga@mlive.com

4. What does it cost taxpayers?

The operating millage applies to non-homestead properties, which includes commercial and industrial properties, rental homes, apartment buildings, vacation properties and vacant land. Homeowners do not pay this operating millage for their primary residences.

It's important for people who live in the YCS district but don't have children who attend the schools to vote on the operating millage too, Edmondson said.

"If your kids don't go to school here and they go somewhere else, you still should support your local schools because it affects your property values," he said.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Melanie Maxwell | melaniemaxwell@mlive.com

5. Where can people vote?

Only residents of the Ypsilanti Community Schools district will be able to vote on the operating millage proposal. The Michigan Voter Information Center allows you to look up your polling place based on your name, date of birth and zip code. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 2.

Don't Edit

Melanie Maxwell

More on school funding

See how much Washtenaw County taxpayers pay for their public schools

Bipartisan group looks to fix Michigan's 'broken' school funding system

Ypsilanti schools debates how to use $2.5 million in one-time funds

Ypsilanti's football season ends, but school-of-choice battle continues