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Millage Restoration

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Restoring Jackson College Millage
INVESTING IN A STRONGER FUTURE!

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 look for Jackson College on the ballot.

Explaining the ballot language

When you go to the polls this coming Nov. 5, you will find a request by Jackson College to restore tax dollars reduced by Michigan’s Headlee Amendment.

Jackson College Millage Proposal

This proposal will allow the College to restore its originally authorized charter millage (1) rate of 1.33 mills on all property, with the revenue of this proposal to be used for enhancing job training, job placement and professional trades education programs (2). Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes originally established by election in 1964 which may be assessed against all property within the community college district boundaries of Jackson College, Michigan, be increased (3) by 0.1973 mill ($0.1973 per $1,000 of taxable valuation) (4) for a period of 10 years, from 2025 to 2034, inclusive, to provide funds for enhancing job training, job placement, and professional trades education programs; if this millage is approved and levied in full in 2025, it is estimated to raise approximately $1,200,000 (this millage is to restore millage lost as a result of the reductions required by the Michigan Constitution of 1963)?

(1) Millage Restoration

Although the millage rate was approved back in 1964, the actual rate that is levied goes down due to the State of Michigan’s Headlee Amendment.

The goal is to restore Jackson College’s millage rate to its original rate of 1.33 mills that was approved by voters in 1964. Due to the Headlee Amendment, the current levy is 1.1327 mills.

(2) Job Training, Job Placement and Professional Trades Education

Michigan’s evolving economy demands a skilled workforce equipped to meet the challenges of modern industry. With the rise of advanced manufacturing, healthcare, electric vehicles (EV), artificial intelligence (AI), and technology sectors, there is a growing need for robust job training, job placement, and professional trades education.

These programs are essential for bridging the skills gap, ensuring that Jackson residents can access high-quality jobs, and supporting the state’s economic growth.

(3) Increased

Jackson College is not asking voters for additional authorization, only what was originally authorized in 1964. The word “increase” is required language for this kind of proposal, signifying that voters do have a choice between restoring the authorized millage for 10 years or declining it.

(4) Mills

1 mill = $1 for every $1,000 of a home or property’s taxable valuation. For a home valued at $100,000, with a taxable value of about $50,000, the millage restoration would cost about $9.87 a year

 

 

Why Jackson College?

Jackson College generates $276.4 million annually in added income for the area due to the enhanced productivity of alumni.

Open access for all ensures that all have an opportunity to earn an associate degree, certificate or shorter-term credential to start, advance or change their career.

Preparing students for transfer to colleges and universities with the opportunity to complete two years’ worth of study locally.

Preparing the Jackson County workforce by offering degrees in high-demand careers like nursing, allied health, information technology, business administration and more.

Free tuition for seniors aged 65 and older.

Top-quality performing arts facilities welcoming both professional entertainers and providing space for student and community arts organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When is the election?

    Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit the State of Michigan website for full voting options.

  • What is on the ballot?

    Voters in Jackson County will decide on a millage request to restore property tax funds decreased by the Headlee Amendment. Revenue from this millage levy would fund job training, job placement, and professional trades education programs.

  • Why is this election necessary?

    Jackson College operates on the same millage rate first decided by voters in 1964. It has one of the lowest millage levies in Michigan. Restoration of the full levy would provide much needed funds for job training and trades, areas that will provide necessary workers for our business and industry and enhance the economy for the whole area.

  • How will this proposal benefit students and the Jackson County community?

    This will allow for new programs, new offerings, more high-tech equipment and enhancement placement services. For the larger community, this will enhance educational opportunities, provide more skilled workers for employers and in turn, boost the local economy.

  • What is the Headlee Amendment?

    The passage of the Headlee Amendment in 1978 requires a local unit of government to reduce its millage when annual growth on existing property is greater than the rate of inflation. Consequently, the local unit’s millage rate gets “rolled back” so that the resulting growth in property tax revenue, communitywide, is no more than the rate of inflation.

    A “Headlee override” is a vote by the electors to return the millage to the amount originally authorized via charter, state statute, or a vote of the people, and is necessary to counteract the effects of the “Headlee Rollback.”

  • What will the ballot proposal cost?

    1 mill = $1 for everyone $1,000 of a home or property’s taxable valuation. For a home valued at $100,000, with a taxable value of about $50,000, the millage restoration would cost about $9.87.

  • Who can vote on this ballot proposal?

    Any Jackson County resident aged 18 and over on Election Day who is registered to vote. Voters in Michigan can now register to vote up through and on Election Day.

  • Where can I register to vote?

    You can register to vote at any Secretary of State office or at the Clerk’s office where you reside. You can also download a voter registration application.

  • Do I need to update my voter registration?

    You will need to update your registration if you have changed your name or address since the last time you voted. You can do this at any Secretary of State office or at the clerk’s where you reside.

  • Where do I vote?

    You will vote at your regular precinct in the community where you reside. If you are unsure of your precinct, go to www.Michigan.gov/vote.

  • Can I vote by absentee ballot?

    Due to the passage of the statewide ballot proposal 18-3, all eligible and registered voters in Michigan may now request an absent voter ballot without providing a reason. You can download a ballot application through www.Michigan.gov/vote.