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APRIL 30, 2025 Vol. 44, No. 9
B & B COLLISION
WOMEN FORGE NEW PATHS IN THE TRADES A view of Lamphere High School in the Lamphere Public Schools April 22. On May 6, voters in the district will decide whether to increase their taxes for 30 years to fund a variety of improvements at the schools. Voters can also vote early at the Royal Oak Senior Center. Photo by Liz Carnegie
Council previews proposed budget for Madison Heights BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
described the sticker shock of the jump in taxes after his house was assessed. He also worries for those in more vulnerable situations. “We’re already taxed to death over here,” Priehs said. “There are seniors on fixed incomes. People about to retire, watching their 401k lose value. Wages aren’t keeping up. And there could be a recession soon. $85 million is just too much.” The special election May 6 is being funded by the Lamphere Schools. The bond is the only local issue on the ballot. “While I do not have the final cost for the election yet, with the added cost of early voting, I estimate the cost of the election to be approximately $35,000,” said Cheryl Rottmann, the city clerk, via email. “Lamphere is responsible for the full cost, since this is a special election that was requested by the district.”
MADISON HEIGHTS — Members of the Madison Heights City Council have been reviewing a working draft of the budget for fiscal year 202526, one that maintains the current millage rate and avoids tax increases for the time being. “This is a very difficult time for us,” said Mark Bliss, the mayor pro tem. “It’s difficult not only for residents but also the city, as costs continue to rise. We’re dealing with hyper-inflation and incredible market uncertainty right now, and all of the tariffs are changing how city contractors are buying and storing their materials, which has led to cost increases. So we’re trying to balance all of those things. Raising taxes significantly deters new homebuyers, so it’s important we try to keep our taxes low.” Melissa Marsh, the city manager, presented the proposal to council April 15. She was joined at the public meeting by Linda Kunath, the finance director. In its current form, the new budget would not increase taxes, keeping the millage rate locked in at 25.4572 mills — the same as the current fiscal year. The city collects $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, multiplied by the millage rate. The proposed budget includes a 6.33% increase
See VOTE on page 16A
See BUDGET on page 11A
LAMPHERE RESIDENTS TO VOTE ON TAX PROPOSAL MAY 6 BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — On May 6, voters in the Lamphere Schools will decide whether to raise their taxes by hundreds of dollars each year to fund an auxiliary gym, fine arts studio, robotics lab, roofing, security, theater upgrades and more. If approved, the owner of a home with a market value of $200,000 and a taxable value of $100,000 will see their annual taxes increase by $415, starting with the bill this summer. The bond is for 4.15 mills each year for 30 years, generating $85 million. Officials say the bond will greatly enhance the quality of the schools, while critics say it will place an unfair burden on homeowners already strained by inflation and stagnant wages. Jake Priehs recently bought a home in the district. He
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