Non-Homestead Millage Replacement

Millage Information

On August 4, 2026, Election Day, Waterford School District will have a Non-Homestead Millage Renewal and Restoration on the ballot. This millage will guarantee Waterford School District continues to receive funding from the state each year for general operating costs such as textbooks, staff, classroom materials and technology.

Millage Facts

The Waterford School District non-homestead millage is

• an existing levy on businesses and second homes in the district.
• NOT a new tax and has no impact on a homeowner’s property taxes.
• 13% of the operating funds for the district each year.
• required for the district to receive the full foundation allowance established by the state.
• funding to help pay operational costs to educate our students.

Ballot Language

Waterford School District Operating Millage Proposal

WATERFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT OPERATING MILLAGE PROPOSAL

This proposal would replace, restore and extend the authority of the School District to levy the statutory limit of 18 mills on non-homestead property (principally industrial and commercial real property and residential rental property) which currently expires with the School District’s 2033 tax levy and allow the School District to continue to levy the statutory limit of 18 mills on non-homestead property in the event of future Headlee rollbacks of up to 4 mills. The authorization will allow the School District to continue to receive revenues at the full per pupil foundation allowance permitted by the State. Personal residences are exempt from this levy.

Shall the limitation on the total amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residences and other property exempted by law, situated within the Waterford School District, County of Oakland, State of Michigan, be increased to the amount of 22 mills with 18 mills being the maximum allowable levy ($18.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation), for a period of ten (10) years, 2026 to 2035 inclusive, with 17.6749 mills of the above 22 mills being a replacement of authorized millage which will otherwise expire on December 31, 2033 and 0.3251 mills of the above 22 mills being a restoration of the millage lost as a result of the reduction required by the Michigan Constitution? This operating millage, if approved and levied, would provide estimated revenues to the School District of $17,701,778 during the 2026 calendar year, to be used for general operating purposes. 

Non-Homestead Millage FAQs 

What does non-homestead mean?

Non-homestead means businesses and second homes. It does not include a family’s primary residence.

Will my residential school taxes change also?

No. This tax is on non-homestead property and does not apply to your primary place of residence.

Is this a new tax?

No. This millage has been in place for the district since 1994. The 1994 original authorization was for the 18 mills on non-homestead property (businesses, rentals, and second homes). There have been three subsequent renewals since the original levy. Each renewal covered an additional 10 year period of time.  

What happens if the millage doesn’t pass?

The revenue generated from the 18 mills on non-homestead property totals approximately $16 million annually. We would continue to levy the current authorized millage, but a reduced rate due to the Headlee rollback. These funds support the district’s operations such as teacher salaries and student textbooks. The state will not replace the lost funding, which means Waterford School District would have to reduce or eliminate staff and instructional and support programs for our students to offset the reduction in revenue.

How are Michigan school districts funded?

Districts receive most of their funding on a per-pupil basis. The amount a school district receives on a per-pupil basis is called the Foundation Allowance. The per-pupil Foundation Allowance for Waterford School District is $10,050 for the 2025-2026 school year. The state expects the district to collect the 18 mills and will not make up any of the shortfall if the amount is not received.

Looking for more information on the Oakland County Enhancement Millage?

This is a separate ballot measure from Waterford School District’s Non-Homestead millage. Learn more information on this countywide election proposal.

This Aug. 4, there are two school-related millages on the ballot. Waterford School District’s Non-Homestead millage is a local renewal required to maintain current state funding levels. The Oakland County Enhancement millage is a new countywide tax designed to provide additional funding above current state levels.

Voters will cast separate votes for each millage. These measures are not linked, and the implementation of one is not contingent upon the passage of the other.

Common uses for millages include supporting  student achievement opportunities, enhancing safety and wellness programs, and securing competitive staff compensation.