- What is on the August 5, 2025 ballot?
On August 5, 2025, voters in Northville Public Schools will be asked to consider renewing the current Sinking Fund millage that will extend the .9357 mill levy from 2026 to 2035. The current levy expires on Dec. 31, 2025. The .9357 mill ten-year request will provide approximately $4.1 million annually to fund instructional technology and infrastructure repairs and upgrades protecting the community’s investment in the School District’s buildings and sites.
- Will this ballot proposal increase homeowner's tax millage?
No, it is estimated that the School District’s sinking fund millage rate will remain at the current rate of .9357 mills.
- What are the goals for the Sinking Fund Renewal?
The District’s goals for the Sinking Fund Renewal include:
- Preserve General Fund dollars to accomplish the District’s core mission of instruction and student learning
- Continue to provide safe, secure, and healthy school environments for our children
- Protect the community’s investment in the School District’s buildings and sites
- Provide consistent funding source for instructional technology across all buildings
- Keep Northville’s taxpayer dollars in Northville!
- Is the Board of Education behind this proposal?
The Board unanimously approved the recommendation for the Sinking Fund Renewal. As always, the Board of Education has expressed its commitment to quality educational programs and facilities for our students and entire community and has indicated that it wholeheartedly supports this proposal.
- What are the major features of this Sinking Fund proposal?
Timely repairs prevent costly emergencies and ensure a safe, healthy, and functional environment conducive to learning. This sinking fund will be used for repairs, replacements, and remodeling of buildings and sites over the next ten years. It can also be used to pay for instructional technology, and safety and security equipment. The key areas identified for this future Sinking Fund fall into three major categories:
- With our 2023 Bond Program, why do we still need to renew the Sinking Fund millage?
Based on infrastructure, technology, and program needs identified through our past building studies, our buildings will continue to need repairs and upgrades as they continue to age. The current bond program addresses major program improvements and critical infrastructure needs but even the bond program could not fund all the upgrades identified for the next ten years. Additionally, the general fund cannot afford to pay for capital investments. Even during times of student growth and modest increases in per student State funding, the District has relied on support from taxpayer-approved millages.
Another major advantage to this Sinking Fund millage renewal is the fact that we can fund instructional technology, which will allow us to continue to keep our technology needs addressed in a timely manner.
- What is the difference between a bond and a sinking fund millage?
A Bond is a lump-sum dollar amount that a school district borrows through the sale of bonds to fund capital projects. Taxpayers pay the bond money back over a period of years with interest, like a home mortgage, by way of the debt millage levied by the district. This provides the district with the ability to fund major capital projects and improvements without impacting the General Fund. A Sinking Fund is a way for residents to invest directly in their school system by keeping their tax dollars local. In Michigan, a Sinking Fund is a millage levied to support school safety and instructional technology improvements, and the repair, renovation, and construction of school buildings. This millage is a limited property tax considered a pay-as-you-go method for addressing building improvements. No debt or interest payments are incurred with a Sinking Fund.
- What is Northville Public School's history with Sinking Fund Proposals?
History of our Sinking Fund:
2011 - Passed
2015 - Renewed / No Increase
2020 - Renewed / No Increase
2025 - Proposed / No Increase
- Previous Sinking Fund ballot proposals were for three- or five-year periods. Why is the 2025 ballot proposal for ten?
A ten-year Sinking Fund millage allows stability and long-range planning capabilities for capital projects enhancing operating dollars. The ability to budget and plan for these impending expenses provides more effective long-term planning and the most cost-efficient use of funding.
- What was accomplished over the past five years with the 2020 Sinking Fund Program?
The last Sinking Fund millage for our School District was approved by voters in 2020. It has been essential in addressing the District’s most critical facility repairs, the District’s aging buildings, shifting student enrollment, and the desire to modernize facilities to address the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s learners. The following matrix illustrates some of the projects that have been completed with sinking fund revenue.
- What is being accomplished in the current 2023 Bond Program?
In March of 2023, Northville Public Schools successfully passed a Bond Proposal to implement major improvements at all buildings and sites, including new and upgraded instructional technology. The program prioritized critical infrastructure upgrades; district-wide technology upgrades; bus purchases; building, athletic and playground upgrades; future-ready learning environments (STEAM) and technology upgrades; all with the goal of increasing student achievement and fostering a culture of college and workforce preparedness.
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- The highlights of Bond 2023 are listed here, including:
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- STEAM/Innovation Centers at All Elementary Schools
- Additional Enhancements at Amerman and Moraine (multi-purpose/dining addition, collaboration areas)
- Entry Canopies at Amerman, Moraine, Silver Springs and Winchester
- Playground Upgrades at All Elementary Schools
- Major Program Improvements at Meads Mill (STEAM/Robotics addition, multi-activity/gym upgrades, entry canopy, new windows)
- STEAM/Innovation Center and STEAM Technology at Northville High School
- New and Expanded Grandstands at the Eight Mile Stadium (4,500 new and replacement seats and handrails)
- Select NHS Natatorium Renovations
- Upgrade NHS Baseball + Softball Fields to Synthetic Turf
- Critical Infrastructure at all Buildings
- Technology Upgrades across the District
- Bus Purchases
12. What is a mill?
A mill represents $1.00 for every $1,000 of taxable value of your property. The taxable value of your property is the same or lower than the state-equalized value and substantially lower (50% or more) than the market value. Also, it is important to remember that property taxes, including any increases, may be deductible on your federal income tax returns and may count as a credit on your state returns.
13. Why is the proposed .9357 millage less than the 2020 voted millage of .9519?
With the passage of the Headlee Amendment to the State Constitution in 1963, local units of government (including school districts) are required to reduce millage rates when the annual growth on existing property exceeds the rate of inflation. When this occurs, the local unit’s millage rate is “rolled back” so that the resulting growth in property tax revenue is no more than the rate of inflation. Accordingly, the Sinking Fund millage was gradually reduced from .9519 mill in 2020 to the current .9357. This millage rate has been gradually decreasing as noted by the following table and will likely decrease further if taxable values in the community continue to increase beyond the rate of inflation.
14. Explain what money from a sinking fund millage can and cannot be used for?
Sinking fund money can be used for purchasing, completing, remodeling or repairing facilities, or parts of or additions to facilities; and improving sites for school buildings, structures, athletic facilities, playgrounds, or other facilities; and technology infrastructure. Sinking funds may be used for repairs, but not for maintenance. In November 2016, legislation expanded the use of sinking fund dollars to include security equipment and instructional technology equipment.
The State of Michigan has legal requirements, restrictions and guidelines for public school districts that plan to fund capital improvements or repairs through sinking fund millage levies. The law is very specific about what is considered an allowable use and what reporting and audit requirements are expected. Money raised through sinking fund millages cannot be used for school district operating expenses such as personnel costs, textbooks, technology software or equipment updates, or school buses.
15. Can the money from a Sinking Fund be used to pay teacher or other employee salaries and benefits?
No. School districts are not allowed to use sinking fund money for operating expenses such as teacher, administrator or employee salaries or benefits. Sinking funds must be kept separate from the district’s operating funds.
16. How does this Sinking Fund proposal compare with other sinking funds in Michigan?
As of 2023, 244 districts in Michigan are collecting millage dollars for Building and Site Sinking Funds.
17. How do Northville's school taxes compare with other neighboring districts?
All properties in Michigan are assessed 6.000 mills for the State Education Tax (SET), which flows into the State’s School Aid Fund.
As shown in the chart below, when considering combined Sinking Fund Millage, Debt and Hold Harmless Millage levies, Northville’s combined tax burden is relatively lower than the combined millages levied by neighboring and peer districts.
Millage Comparison (2024 Rates)
18. How does Northville's State Foundation Allowance compare to other districts?
19. What are the benefits of the Sinking Fund proposal for residents who don't have students in the District?
Residents without school-aged children derive both direct and indirect benefits from the condition of our school buildings and the quality of our programs. Northville is a true community school district, as many community members use District facilities after school hours. Having safe and accessible facilities provides a direct benefit for those individuals using District facilities.
20. Can I deduct these property taxes on my income tax return?
Property taxes may be deductible as itemized deductions on your federal income tax return if you itemize. You may also be eligible for the Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit on your Michigan income tax return. Please consult with your tax preparer.
21. What exactly is the Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit?
The Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit is a method through which some taxpayers can receive a tax credit for an amount of their property tax that exceeds a certain percentage of their household income. This program establishes categories under which homeowners or renters are eligible for a Homestead Property Tax Credit.
Please consult with your tax preparer to determine if you are eligible for this important and valuable tax credit.
22. Is the school district required to spend the entire sinking fund revenue in the year it is received, or can the funds accumulate?
The District is not required to spend any of the Sinking Fund tax revenue in the year it is received. The District is required to track the Millage revenues and expenditures separately and is allowed to maintain a positive fund balance in the Sinking Fund at year end. The District is also not required to spend the Sinking Fund tax revenue within a specified time period. (Note: the Michigan Department of Treasury requires that the fund be audited each year, as is the case with the District’s other funds.)
23. What if the millage proposal doesn't pass?
Over the past decade, severe cuts in school funding coupled with the rising cost of operating the school system have put tremendous pressure on the District’s General Fund. If approved, the millage replacement (equal to about $4 million each year) will enable the School District to continue to make building repairs and improvements that will help to provide a safe, secure and healthy environment for students, without compromising educational programs. Failure to approve the Sinking Fund replacement millage will mean the District will have to delay replenishing instructional technology and addressing the identified projects or reallocate general operating funds that would otherwise go to support educational programs for students.
24. What are the key dates leading up to the August 5, 2025 election?
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- July 21, 2025: Deadline to register to vote by mail or online and be eligible to vote in the August 5th election.
- July 22, 2025: Starting 7/22/25 through Election Day on 8/5/25, a voter can register in-person with their local clerk with proof of residency.
- August 5, 2025: Final day to vote absentee is 8pm on Election Day if turning your ballot in in-person or dropping it in a secure drop box in your jurisdiction.
25. Where and when do I register to Vote?
To vote in the August 5, 2025 school election, you must be a U.S. citizen; at least 18 years of age by Election Day; not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison; a resident of Michigan and Northville Public Schools for at least 30 days when you vote. Please visit your local city or township clerk’s office to register or visit any Secretary of State office. You can also register online. You must show your proof of residency (hard copy or digital) including driver’s license, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or other government document.
26. What is the process for voting by absentee ballot?
All eligible and registered voters in Michigan may now request an absentee ballot without providing a reason.
Details regarding Absentee Ballots:
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- Absentee ballots must be available for issuance to voters by June 26, 2025.
- A registered voter may apply for an absentee ballot in person at the clerk’s office up until 4pm on Monday August 4, 2025.
- On Election Day, August 5, 2025, registered voters may obtain and vote an absent voter ballot in person in their clerk’s office or vote in person in the proper precinct.
- Secure an absentee ballot online at www.michigan.gov/vote.
27. How will the proposal appear on the ballot?
NORTHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SINKING FUND MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL
.9357 MILL FOR 10 YEARS
This proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy the building and site sinking fund millage that expires with the 2025 tax levy.
Shall the currently authorized millage rate of .9357 mill ($0.9357 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) which may be assessed against all property in Northville Public Schools, Wayne, Oakland and Washtenaw Counties, Michigan, be renewed for a period of 10 years, 2026 to 2035, inclusive, to continue to provide for a sinking fund for the construction or repair of school buildings; for school security improvements; for the acquisition or upgrading of instructional technology; and all other purposes authorized by law; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and levied in 2026 is approximately $4,157,946 (this is a renewal of millage that will expire with the 2025 tax levy)?
YES ____ NO ____
28. If I have questions not covered here, where can I get additional information?
