School officials on the May 3 ballot are asking for a restoration of an operating millage that expired in 2004.
A yes vote allows the Lake Orion School District to continue to levy 18 mills ($18 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) on non-homestead and non-qualified agricultural property (businesses, rental property and second homes in the school district).
By law, all school districts are entitled to levy 18 mills against non-homestead property.
The last voter approval of this millage took place in 1994. If the request passes this time, it will last until 2015.
The school district will collect approximately $9.3 million if the millage is approved and levied in 2005.
According to LO School Superintendent Dr. Craig Younkman, the $9.3 million is 15.5 percent of the school district’s $60 million budget.
‘This will have a direct impact. It pays for everything except people,? he said.
Younkman emphasizes the operating millage proposal will cost homestead property owners (primary residence in Orion Township) nothing.