Click the link below to estimate the cost of the millage proposal for your home. TaxCalc® estimates the after tax impact of a millage by considering Michigan’s homestead tax credit and the federal income tax itemized deduction of property tax.  Some Taxpayers may receive part of the property tax increase back in the form of an increased tax credit. When entering the Taxable Value using the calculator, make sure to use Taxable Value from your most recent Tax Statement, not the market value. Generally, the taxable value is approximately 50% of the market value.

http://www.mytaxcalc.com/carmanainsworth/Introduction_Sheet.aspx

What can Sinking Fund money be used for? 

Sinking Funds dollars are highly restrictive. Generally, Sinking Fund expenditures are for building/facility renovations, additions, or infrastructure. As an example, over the last 10 years, Sinking Fund dollars have generally been used for: building renovations; wiring for WIFI and other technology infrastructure  security systems (cameras and video intercom entry systems); resurfacing/repairing over 35,000 square feet of parking lots; repair/replacing over 60,000 square feet of roofs; various athletic facility improvements; asbestos abatement; and internal/external signage.

Sinking Fund dollars cannot be used for: salaries or benefits; buses or other vehicles; technology such as computers, iPads, etc.; equipment such as routine maintenance items; or furnishings such as tables, desks, chairs, etc.

In the absence of a Sinking Fund, the infrastructure repairs and enhancements would have to come from the District General Fund, reducing available dollars for academic programs.

Why are you asking for an increase? 

The .5 mill Sinking Fund that was passed 10 years ago provided enough revenue to maintain our existing facilities that were just recently renovated with the passage of the $49.75 million bond in June 2002. However, since that time, declining property values have resulted in a 25% reduction in the revenue generated from the same .5 mill passed 10 years ago. In 2006-07 the Sinking Fund generated nearly $530,000, while in 2012-13 this same tax is estimated to generate $350,000. While the facility needs have not decreased, the dollars available to ensure our facilities are well maintained have steadily decreased. The passage of the renewal and additional Sinking Fund would equate to a full 1.0 mill Sinking Fund; below the Genesee County average of 1.4 mills.

What additional plans are in place if the increase passes? 

Should the additional .5 mill Sinking Fund proposal pass, the district has plans to convert the existing Middle School Pool (closed down in 2010) into a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) facility. This 7,758 square foot facility would provide for state of the art STEM learning as well as a dedicated space and learning lab for our FIRST Robotics program. In addition, the district plans to wire all of our elementary buildings for WIFI accessibility, eventually add a STEM facility at CAHS and other school improvements as allowable by law to provide seamless continuation of these 21st Century skills.