Not a new tax; Clare, Farwell, and Harrison school districts each seek renewal of non-homestead millage in November

On the November 4 ballot, voters residing in the districts of Clare Public Schools, Farwell Area Schools, and Harrison Community Schools will see a non-homestead millage renewal request for their respective school district. These are not new taxes, but renewals of existing millages that have been in place since 1994 as a result of Michigan voters passing Proposal A. The funds generated help support the operational needs of the districts each year.

 A non-homestead millage does not impact the property taxes on a family’s primary residence; it only applies to non-homestead properties, such as industrial, commercial, and some agricultural property and second homes.

The non-homestead millage was established in school districts across the state following Michigan voters passing Proposal A in 1994. In order for schools to receive the full per-student funding amount from the state, the district must first levy 18 mills on local non-homestead property.  The state then pays the district the foundation allowance minus the 18-mill levy. The state assumes school districts collect 18 mills on non-homestead properties, meaning those funds would not be replaced should the millage not be renewed.

In Harrison, the millage generates approximately $3.6 million per year, or about 27 percent of the district’s total budget. According to Harrison Community Schools Superintendent Tom House, “Failure to pass the renewal of the 18-mill levy on non-homestead property would result in devastating cuts to school programs in Harrison and the other districts.”

Farwell Area Schools relies on the non-homestead millage to provide approximately 31 percent of the district’s budget, or close to $3.8 million annually. “Without the funds generated from this millage each year, our district could not continue to operate,” said Farwell Area Schools Superintendent Carl Seiter.

For Clare Public Schools, if the non-homestead millage is not renewed, the district would lose approximately $1.6 million each year, which equates to around 12 percent of their yearly budget. “The Clare community is very supportive and they understand just how important this basic funding source is to our district and their kids,” said Clare Public Schools Superintendent Doniel Pummell. “Pioneers get things done and lead the way!”  

While the non-homestead millages are expiring in all three Clare County school districts this year, residents’ votes will solely impact the school district in which they live.

For a list of frequently asked questions about the Non-Homestead Millage renewal, please visit your local school district’s website:

Clare Public Schools

Farwell Area Schools

Harrison Community Schools