How to Defeat Michigan’s Sneaky Property Tax Hikes
May millages elections have consequences for your mortgage, and schools are failing despite a large influx of funds
While you are sipping margaritas and enjoying tacos this Cinco De Mayo, the Michigan Millage Machine will be hard at work, trying to pass property tax increases when you aren’t paying attention.
If you don’t take a break from your siesta to vote, you’re going to find out after the fact your property taxes have gone up.
In reality, millages are property tax increases. They call them millages because it sounds slightly fancier and sophisticated sot you might not pay too much attention.
They’re typically disguised as facilities upgrades, “safety” upgrades, technology upgrades or necessary for transportation, special education facilities, operating costs, or “debt repayment.”
Voting “yes” signals that you “support public education” and “teachers.” You get to pat yourself on the back and say you’re a good citizen.
After all, who wouldn’t want to chip in for our local schools? The problem with this thinking is that despite a 35% increase in school funding, Michigan students are falling further and further behind.
Putting an ask for a tax increase in May when no one is paying attention is the best way to ensure they pass. May elections are low-turnout affairs. They attract the most attentive, most organized, and most directly interested voters (think teachers unions).
In a twist of irony, schools are often used as polling locations and must close for the day in order to accommodate voting. What better way to remind teachers and administrators to vote than to give them a day off?
The good news is that as public awareness grows, more Michiganders are showing up for May Millages and defeating them. Over half of these requests were defeated last May.
Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center to see if your school district is on the list for a tax increase and remind five of your neighbors. While you’re at it, get on the permanent absentee ballot list, so you are never caught unaware.
While not a comprehensive list, here are a few examples of tax increases on the ballot next Tuesday:
Brighton Area Schools is asking for $156 million for “safety and facilities.”
Grass Lake Community Schools is asking for $41.9 million for “facilities upgrades.”
Chippewa Hills School District is asking for $39.9 million for safety updates, athletic facilities, and a gym after the November proposal was defeated by just 77 votes.
Corruna Public Schools is asking for $34 million for “infrastructure improvements,” “school safety upgrades,” and possibly a fine arts center.
Ingham Intermediate School District is pursuing a nearly $100 million bond proposal for special education facilities.
Your neighbors and local teacher’s union may try to tax you out of your home this May, but you hold the ultimate power.
If more Michigan voters simply pay attention and show up for May millage elections, maybe they’ll at least start asking for money in November when most voters are paying attention.
