GRAND HAVEN, April 4, 2023 - Grand Haven voters will determine whether to renew the Grand Haven Area Public Schools operating millage at the upcoming Ottawa County Special Election on Tuesday, May 2.
Polling hours are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The renewal is not associated with the GHAPS bond proposal, which is also on the ballot.
“Voters will see two separate items on the ballot for Grand Haven schools,” explains GHAPS Superintendent Scott Grimes. “The GHAPS operating millage has been in place at its current level for more than 20 years, and voters in the past have overwhelmingly supported this renewal.”
The millage accounts for more than 20% of the district’s total revenue budget and is needed to maintain GHAPS programs and services at their current levels. Funds generated cover operating costs such as salaries, running and maintaining district facilities, and day-to-day operating expenses.
The one-year proposal represents an annual renewal (not an increase) of 18 mills. The millage is strictly on non-principal residences and other non-exempt property. Ballot language follows:
This proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance.
Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Grand Haven Area Public Schools, Ottawa and Muskegon Counties, Michigan, be increased by 18 mills ($18.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for the year 2023, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and levied in 2023 is approximately $16,160,295 (this is a renewal of millage that expired with the 2022 tax levy)?
Additional information about the May 2 Special Election is available via the county’s website, miottawa.org.
Grand Haven Area Public Schools is a district of distinction for students in preschool through 12th grade. With a goal of providing exceptional educational experiences, GHAPS is committed to success for all students and strives to provide exemplary programs and opportunities to meet their diverse needs. Visit ghaps.org for additional information.
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