Operating Millage Replacement 2026

On August 4, 2026, voters will be asked to consider a ballot proposal that would replace Northville Public Schools’ current Operating Millage rate of 18 mills for ten years, 2027 to 2036, and would permit the school district to continue to levy the maximum 18 operating mills on only non-homestead property each year.

This is a replacement millage on non-homestead property only. Owners of non-homestead properties will continue to pay the same tax rate. No tax impact to homeowners of primary residences.

NORTHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
OPERATING MILLAGE PROPOSAL (ballot language)

This proposal will replace expiring millage and allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance. Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except
principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Northville Public Schools, Wayne, Oakland and Washtenaw Counties, Michigan, be increased by 20 mills ($20.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 10 years, 2027 to 2036, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and 18 mills are levied in 2027 is approximately $11,776,352 (this millage replaces millage that will expire with the 2026 tax levy)?
 

The election will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voters may cast their votes in the same precinct where they vote during the general election or through absentee ballots. Please contact the Wayne County Clerk's office for a complete list of voting precincts.

Is this a new tax? 

No, this is not a new tax. Northville Public Schools residents last approved an operating millage in May 2021. Because the previously approved millage is expiring next year, the district is placing a ballot question for a 10-year replacement at the August 4th, 2026 election.

What will the millage replacement cost homeowners?

Nothing! There is no additional cost to homeowners. The 18 mills Non-Homestead replacement only applies to industrial and commercial properties, local businesses, and secondary residences.

Will this increase taxes on Non-Homestead properties?

No, the ballot proposal replaces an existing tax rather than adding a new one. Owners of non-homestead properties will continue to pay the same 18 millage rate that they are currently paying.

What does "Non-Homestead" mean?

Non-homestead properties include homes that are not a family’s primary residence (vacation homes, for example), local businesses, and industrial, commercial, rental, and some agricultural properties.

If property taxes do not fund schools anymore, why is the school district asking for a millage replacement?

As a result of Michigan’s school funding structure detailed in Proposal A, districts are required to collect 18 mills on non-homestead properties so that the district can receive its full $10,050 per-pupil funding support from the state. The law requires voters to approve the collection of the 18 mills via an election. Because the previously approved millage will expire next year, voters must choose whether to replace the millage.

What if the millage is not approved?

The State of Michigan assumes all school districts collect the Non-Homestead millage of 18 mills, which is deducted from the per-pupil state allowance it provides to each district. If the millage replacement is not approved, the state will NOT make up the difference, meaning the district will lose $1,662 per student in the Northville Public Schools, amounting to approximately $11.7 million of operating revenue lost.

How does Northville Public Schools use the money provided by the millage?

The Non-Homestead millage comprises approximately $11.7 million, or 11.3 percent (%), of Northville Public Schools’ operating revenue. The millage allows the district to collect the full per-pupil funding for operating revenues, amounting to approximately $1,662 per student. These funds are used to pay for staffing, purchase textbooks and classroom supplies, and operate the district’s school buildings.

When will the election take place?

The election will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voters may cast their votes in the same precinct where they vote during the general election or through absentee ballots. Please contact the Wayne County Clerk's office for a complete list of voting precincts.