On Tuesday, August 7, 2018, the voters of Hemlock will be asked to consider the renewal of an operating millage for the Hemlock Public School District. In the fall of 2013, Hemlock voters approved 18-mill levy on non-homestead property, as authorized by law.  This levy expires in 2018.  This proposal asks voters to allow Hemlock Schools to again levy the full 18 mills allowed through 2022. This renewal would continue to allow the 18 mills levy from previous years.  The 18 mills are only levied on non-homestead property (seasonal property) and is capped, by law, at that level.

This ballot proposal has no impact on homeowners who do not pay the non-homestead levy.

Historically, the voters of Hemlock have supported such renewals, as they have understood the critical importance of this operating millage and have supported the schools in this type of request.

Some specifics regarding this renewal include:

• * This request represents over $1.4 million dollars (or 11%) of the Hemlock Public School District’s annual operating budget.
• * This request is collected as part of Hemlock’s pupil funding allowance.  If this proposal is not supported, Hemlock will not receive full funding from the State of Michigan. 
• * The State does not make up the difference. The loss to the District would be over $1.4 million, over $700 per student. 
• * There is no way to recover this kind of a loss, and the District would be forced to reduce our expenses by a similar amount.
• * This renewal is for four (4) years.
• * This is not a new millage on businesses or commercial property.
• * A “yes” vote will not cause an increase in property taxes on your home.

Please understand that all the 18-mill non-homestead millage only affects general operating funds.  This ballot proposal will have no impact on levies or bonds previously approved and currently in place.