Bond/Millage Information

Non-Homestead Operating Millage:

November 4, 2025

What every taxpayer should know about the operating millage proposal:

All Michigan school districts must levy 18 mills on non-homestead property to receive their full foundation allowance – the major source of funding for Michigan schools.
The 18-mill levy costs the primary residence homeowner zero dollars ($0 per year). Owned primary residences do not pay the 18-mill tax.
If approved, the operating millage proposal would renew and increase the existing levy, which is limited to 18-mills on non-homestead properties, which include businesses, vacation homes, investment and rental properties.
If the operating millage proposal is not approved for 2026, per-pupil revenue for Orchard View Schools would equate to a loss of $3,164,106 in district funding annually.
The district is proposing a renewal of 17.8114 mills for a period of ten (10) years, and also an increase of 0.5000 mill to restore millage lost as a result of the reduction required by the "Headlee" amendment of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, and will be levied only to the extent necessary to restore that reduction.
If approved, mills above 18 mills would be used to protect against future Headlee erosion, which can lower the millage rate to adjust for inflation. If the Orchard View Schools millage rate falls below 18 mills, the district does not receive its full foundation allowance

Questions and Answers

What is a Non-Homestead Operating Millage?

Owned primary residences do not pay the 18-mills tax ($0 per year). All Michigan school districts must levy 18 mills on non-homestead property to receive their full foundation allowance – the major source of funding for Michigan schools. The operating millage is a levy on non-homestead properties that are not an owned primary residence or qualified agricultural property, such as a business, vacation home, or investment and rental property.

The money the District receives from the millage supports day-to-day operations, including salaries for teachers and staff. This represents approximately 9.5% of the total fiscal year 2025 revenues.

Would tax rates increase for owned primary residences if voters approve the millage?

No. The 18-mill levy costs the primary residence homeowner zero dollars ($0 per year). Owned primary residences do not pay the 18-mill tax. The operating millage levy applies to non-homestead properties such as businesses, vacation homes, investment and rental properties.

The non-homestead operating millage was first levied in 1994 with the passage of Proposal A. Orchard View Schools voters have periodically voted renewals and restorations of that millage over the years.

What is the ballot language for the Non-Homestead Operating Millage Proposal?

Ballot Language

What happens if the millage is not approved by the voters?

If the operating millage proposal is not approved for 2026, per-pupil revenue for Orchard View Schools would see a loss in District funding of approximately $3,164,106 in fiscal year 2026-2027

What time are the polls open for voting?

The polls will be open Tuesday, November 4, 2025 from 7:00 am - 8:00 pm.

Where can a resident register to vote?

To learn more about voter registration, such as eligibility requirements, how to register to vote in Michigan, and updating or canceling voter registration, go to:

https://www.michigan.gov/sos/elections/voting/register-to-vote