CRAWFORD COUNTY — The Crawford AuSable School District is seeking a millage restoration to recover approximately $160,000 in annual funding. The district is currently receiving 17.58 mills, falling short of the full 18 mills it previously collected.
The funding gap occurred because property values in the district have increased, which reduced the millage rate received by the schools. This new attempt to restore the rate follows a previous proposal that was denied by voters in November.
Superintendent Tim Sanchez said he believes the previous restoration proposal failed in November because of confusion regarding the district’s request. He explained that as property values in the area increased, the district stopped receiving the full 18 mills from the community. The current rate of 17.58 mills leaves a 0.42-mill gap in the district’s budget.The proposed restoration would not apply to primary residences within the district. The tax is limited to businesses and second homes, which would see an increase to reach the 18-mill mark. Sanchez, superintendent of Crawford AuSable School District, provided the specific cost breakdown for those property owners.“So, the the .42 Mills, is again, does not affect primary residence,” Sanchez said. “But for all other so second homes and businesses that .42 equals about, not about it equals $42 for every $100,000 of, property tax values.”
The school board plans to put the millage restoration proposal back in front of voters during the May election.