Non-Homestead Operational Millage

Non-Homestead Operational Millage Renewal FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Non-Homestead Operating Millage Renewal Vote

On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, registered voters residing within the Fowlerville Community Schools District will vote on an operating millage renewal proposal. Polls will be open on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

What is a Non-Homestead Operating Millage?

A non-homestead operating millage is a local property tax levied on property that is not exempt from local school operating taxes. Michigan’s school funding formula assumes that school districts will levy up to 18 mills on non-exempt property to receive their full per-pupil foundation allowance. Revenue from the millage helps pay for the district’s day-to-day operations.

What does a “renewal” mean?

The district’s current operating millage authorization expires with the 2026 tax levy. The proposal asks voters whether the district should continue levying the operating millage for four years, from 2027through 2030. The proposal would continue an existing source of operating revenue. It would not impose the local school operating millage on principal residences or other property exempted by law.

Will my property taxes increase on my primary residence?

No. Property owners do not pay this tax on their primary residence (the main home where they live). The tax rate for primary residences and qualified agricultural properties is 0 mills ($0 per year).

What properties are subject to this tax?

"Non-Homestead” refers to property that is not classified as a primary residence. This tax applies only to:

• Commercial and business properties, such as local stores, offices, or hotels.
• Rental properties and apartment buildings.
• Vacation homes and secondary residences.

What can this money fund, and what can it not fund?

By law, revenue from the operational millage is restricted to specific uses.

• What it can fund: day-to-day operational expenses, including teacher and staff salaries, textbooks, instructional supplies, utilities (heat and electricity), transportation, and building maintenance.
• What it cannot fund: This funding cannot be used for major capital construction projects or building renovations, which are funded separately through bond millages.

This is not a Bond proposal and does not authorize the district to borrow money for a specific construction or renovation program.

What occurs if the measure fails to pass?

If the proposal is not approved by voters:

• The State of Michigan will not replace the lost local funding.
• Fowlerville Community Schools will lose approximately $3,782,870 in per-pupil funding for the 2027-28 school year.
• This reduction represents approximately 11% of the district's total operational revenue.
• The district will have to reduce its operational budget by that amount, which may affect student programs, staffing levels, and general services.

Reductions of this size could affect student programs, staffing levels, and district services.

What does the $3,782,870 equate to in the Fowlerville Community Schools budget?

The following are separate examples intended to show the size of the projected revenue loss. The examples should not be added together and do not represent a specific reduction plan.

• The annual employment costs associated with 38 to 60 positions, depending on position and total compensation costs.
• Approximately 59% of Elementary Instructional Programming
• Approximately 90% of High School Instructional Programming
• The combined budgets of the Athletics, Security, Technology, and Transportation Departments
• 92% of our Custodial and Maintenance budget

Why does the ballot mention 18.5337 mills if the district can levy only 18 mills?

• The statutory operating millage rate is no more than 18 mills.
• The additional 0.5337 mill included in the ballot language may be used only to restore millage lost through a Headlee Amendment rollback. It may be levied only to the extent necessary to allow the district to continue collecting the full 18 mills.
• It does not allow the district to levy more than 18 mills.

How is the district held accountable for these funds?

School districts are subject to annual audits, state financial reporting requirements, and oversight by elected Boards of Education and public budget processes. Financial information is generally available to the public.

Has the operational millage been approved before?

Yes, a renewal means voters previously approved the millage, and the district is seeking authorization to continue collecting it when the current approval expires.

How does Michigan determine the millage rate calculation?

The millage rate represents the specific unit used to levy property taxes. One mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of taxable value. The tax is calculated using the non-homestead property’s taxable value, not its market value or sale price. For example, a non-homestead property with a taxable value of $150,000 would be calculated as follows: $150,000 ÷ 1,000 × 18 mills = $2,700 per year.

If this is just a renewal, why is it so important?

While the renewal does not necessarily provide new revenue, it allows the district to continue receiving funding that is already built into its operating budget. Losing that revenue could require significant reductions in programs and services that students and families rely on.

Voter Registration and Polling Information and How to Register to Vote:

To participate in the August 4, 2026, election, individuals must be registered voters in the state of Michigan. Eligible citizens can check their voter registration status, register online, or view registration deadlines by visiting the official state portal at the Michigan Department of State website. 

Michigan Voter Information Center

Absentee Ballots:

Under Michigan law, all registered voters have the right to vote by mail using an absentee ballot.

• Absentee ballots will be available beginning 40 days before the election.
• Voters may request an application for an absentee ballot from their local city or township clerk, or request to be placed on the permanent absentee ballot list to automatically receive a ballot for all future elections.
• Complete rules and applications are available on the official state voting portal.

Finding Your Polling Place:

Voters can locate their assigned physical polling location, view sample ballots, and find contact information for their local township or city clerk by using the Michigan Voter Information Center.