Unionville-Sebewaing Area Schools will hold a May 5 election on a proposal to approve a new sinking fund millage that school officials say will replace the expiring rate without raising it.
The proposal seeks to authorize a 1.1-mill levy, matching the rate of the millage expiring at the end of the year. If approved, it would allow USA Schools to fund needs outside the general fund, such as building repairs, instructional technology and transportation upgrades.
“This is not an increase,” Superintendent Josh Hahn reiterated. “We are looking to levy the same amount that we did the previous 10 years that our taxpayers are currently paying.”
A sinking fund is a local property tax that homeowners and property owners in a school district pay to help cover certain school-related costs.
Here’s how the district predicts the proposed millage would affect property taxes if approved:
According to the school district’s website, the proposal is projected to generate $392,000 annually for 10 years for district improvements.
Although USA Schools previously had a 10-year sinking fund at the same rate, the district cannot legally call this a renewal. Hahn said that’s because the fund’s purpose has changed, as state law now allows it to be used for transportation, security and technology projects.
“The state has expanded the language,” he said. “So the ballot can’t say ‘renewal’, but the rate itself is staying the same.”
Some of the projects include purchasing new buses and transportation vans, updating building lighting and covering general maintenance needs that don’t fit within the district’s general fund.
“There’s always a need to maintain what you have, so (it’s best) if we can chip away at projects as years go on, rather than waiting 10 or 20 years to ask for a bond,” Hahn said. “So this money goes directly toward that rather than having to repay bonds and doesn’t take away from students.”
However, if the proposal were to fail, Hahn said the district would likely put the proposal back on the ballot in August and November if necessary since the current mill expires this December.
The vote will take place inside the USA auditorium on Tuesday, May 5 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
As for communication with the community, Hahn said USA Schools has shared information in several ways.
“We’ve sent out information to parents, put things on our website and I’ve been speaking to local organizations,” he said. “We’re also planning a mailing to all residents with information about where to vote and what the proposal would fund.”
Hahn said he feels confident about the new levy passing since the district is not asking for an increase and the community is generally supportive of the school.
“We appreciate the community’s support and hope it turns out positive on May 5,” Hahn said.