Bond Proposal
NORTH MUSKEGON BOND PROPOSAL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
OVERVIEW & FUNDING
What is the 2023 Renovations Bond Proposal Renewal?
A school bond election is a bond issue used by a public school district to finance a building project or other capital project. These measures are placed on the ballot by district school boards to be decided by the voting public.
This bond proposal would support improvements across the district, including:
- Indoor and exterior improvements to extend the useful life of our facility
- Renovations to locker rooms
- Auditorium enhancements
- Learning environment updates
Would my taxes increase if the bond proposal renewal is approved?
If approved, the ballot proposal would allow the district to sell bonds and generate approximately $7 million with a 0.00 mill increase over the current bond millage rate.
What is the 2023 Sinking Fund Renewal?
A millage renewal to address general facility repairs and infrastructure maintenance.
Would my taxes increase if the sinking fund renewal is approved?
If approved, the sinking fund would allow the district to generate approximately $200,000 with a 0.00 mill increase over the current sinking fund millage rate.
What is a mill?
A mill is equal to $1 per every $1,000 of taxable property valuation (not the market value of a home; homeowners can refer to their latest assessment for their home’s taxable value).
Why does the district need a bond proposal?
Due to the size and scale of school buildings, maintenance, updates, and replacement of facilities is costly and typically not possible through the traditional funding received by school districts. Our district has several facilities and grounds needs requiring large sums of money. A bond proposal is the best approach to making the significant updates and improvements needed at North Muskegon Public Schools.
Many school districts in the State of Michigan typically seek approval for bond proposals every 5-10 years. This allows for significant improvements to occur and keeps district facilities current.
How are Michigan schools funded?
The state of Michigan provides funding to school districts on a per-pupil basis, based on the cost of educating the average pupil per year. The state of Michigan does not provide funding to address facilities, which are funded exclusively through local property taxes. There are two ways that school districts can raise money for facility improvements: levying sinking funds and selling bonds.
Can the money from the bond be used to pay teachers' or other employees' salaries and benefits?
No, school districts cannot use bond dollars for operating expenses such as teacher, administrator, or employee salaries or benefits. Bond funds must be kept separate from the district’s operating funds.
How was the amount of the bond proposal determined?
The amount of this request was based on projected needs and estimated costs, intending to not impose a significant tax burden on businesses and citizens of the NMPS community. We had multiple community forums to understand needs.
What would happen if the bond proposal is not approved?
If approved, the bond proposal would enable the district to continue to make transformational improvements without sacrificing instructional funds.
Failure to approve the bond proposal would mean the district would have to delay improvements. Any emergency repairs to address potential safety issues at district facilities would have to be paid for with general operating funds that would otherwise go to support educational programs for students.
Will our property taxes be assessed?
No, properties will not be assessed simply because the bond passes. Under Michigan law, a property’s taxable value will increase from one year to the next by the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is less, until ownership of the property is transferred. The passing of a school or municipal bond will NOT trigger a new assessment. Again, property assessments are legally required to remain at the rate of inflation (or at 5% whichever is lower), until the property is sold.
How will this affect local businesses?
Just like a homeowner, if the bond passes, a business’ millage rate will reflect the outcome of the bond election just like an individual’s property tax rate would change for that property owner.
What if I have other questions about the bond proposal?
Superintendent Curt Babcock
cbabcock@nmps.net
BOND SCOPE & SCHEDULE
How did this proposal come about?
Based on the expert assessment reports, the proposed bond funds will be used solely for facility improvements.
How would the community be involved in design and facility planning following a successful election?
Upon a successful election, many stakeholders, including staff, students, and parents, would be engaged to define further and develop the designs of the proposed projects. We also plan to host a community forum and receive input from the community to help shape the potential designs.
What is the timeline for projects to be completed?
The amount of work being proposed in the bond proposal is significant. As such, our Construction Management partners believe it to be the best practice to stagger the implementation of the projects. This would allow for greater contractor participation and would not overstress the construction market, which is currently struggling with labor availability. Greater participation of bidders means greater competition and hopefully better bid results that will benefit the school district.
VOTING INFORMATION
Who can vote in this bond proposal election?
Residents within the North Muskegon Public School district who will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day and are registered to vote. Please note, you can register to vote on the day of the election at your local clerk’s office.
Where can I get information about voting (such as how to register, where to vote, and absentee voting)?
Go to the Michigan Voter Information website www.michigan.gov/vote or contact your local clerk.
Where do I go to vote?
If you are unsure of your voting precinct, visit www.michigan.gov/vote or contact your local clerk.
Do I need to update my voter registration?
You need to update your voter 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 office where you reside.
Can I vote by absentee ballot?
Yes. Since voter approval of Proposal 3 in November 2018, registered voters do not need a reason to vote by absentee ballot. You can request an absentee ballot application from your Clerk’s Office or by going online to www.michigan.gov/vote and clicking on Absentee Voting in the left column.
Absentee ballots should be available to voters after September 28th, and may be cast through Election Day Tuesday, November 7th, 2023.