LEARN ABOUT CANDIDATES, LOCAL TAX PROPOSALS
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OCTOBER 9, 2024 Vol. 21, No. 21
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools seeks millage replacement BY MARK VEST
mvest@candgnews.com
WALLED LAKE — Following the passage of a $250 million bond proposal in May, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools is hoping that voters support another ballot initiative in November. This time around, the district is seeking a replacement of its operating millage — an
18-mill non-homestead tax on business and other properties, and a 3.6297-mill “hold harmless” levy on homes. Non-homestead properties consist primarily of businesses, rental properties, vacant land and secondary homes within the district’s boundaries. The district’s plan is to restore the millage rate to 18 mills, which was previously approved by voters in 2014 and is set to ex-
pire in 2025. However, due to the Headlee Amendment, it has been rolled back over the course of time. The Headlee Amendment to the Michigan Constitution requires local governments, including schools, to reduce their millage rates if taxable values go up higher than the rate of inflation. By law, only 18 mills can be levied on non-homestead properties.
If approved, the proposal would be in effect until 2037. “This is $33 million of the district’s $187 million revenue budget, or 18%. Every district in the state is expected to levy, with voter approval, 18 mills on all nonhomestead properties (businesses) in order to receive full state funding,” a press release from the district states. See MILLAGE on page 6A
Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society turns 50 BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com
WEST BLOOMFIELD — Around 50 years ago, a conversation that took place at a picnic on the campus of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s led to what has become a staple for history buffs in the area. At that picnic, Mel Rycus, who is the former mayor of Orchard Lake, mentioned to staff at St. Mary’s that someone should preserve the history and historical facts of the area. See GWBHS on page 5A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
The Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society is recognizing the nonprofit’s 50th year in 2024. Past tax rolls are part of the history that residents can learn about at the Orchard Lake Museum.
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