CPS Recreation Millage Frequently Asked Questions
Superintendent Stewart answers some of the most asked questions about the upcoming recreation millage renewal
This is the third article in our series regarding the CPS Recreation Millage renewal, which is on the ballot for May 3rd, 2022. Ten years ago this millage was introduced, so this is a renewal of an existing millage, without any changes to our current tax rates. A renewal will keep the current rate, with no additional cost, for the next 7 years. Below are more FAQ’s, to help our community get the needed information before the vote this May. We have also added a CPS Recreation Millage tab to our website for a more comprehensive outline of the millage renewal.
Why would I want this? I don’t have children in school.
Charlotte school facilities and sites are regularly used by community members who do not have school-aged children. The District takes pride in its role as an important community resource and partner. The value and vitality of a community rests on the quality and marketability of its schools – in other words, great schools keep home values up. Our community has generously supported our school facility improvements and invested in amazing facilities that we want to share with our community. The district wants to protect these investments and to be a partner in attracting families and businesses to Charlotte.
Why is it important to attract and retain students in the District?
Public schools in Michigan receive nearly all of their funding from the State on a per-pupil basis. Simply put, the more students that we have, the more programs and classes we can offer. Since parents have choices regarding where their children go to school, we need to make Charlotte Public Schools as attractive as possible to prospective homebuyers. The Charlotte Aquatic Center is an offering that many area communities wished they could have in their community. A number of families have been attracted to the community because of the aquatic center and the specialized experiences that our students have that many do not. In addition, being able to offer and promote a robust recreational program for youth and adults is essential for strengthening and maintaining a healthy community.
How much will this cost?
0.4948 mill represents roughly fifty cents ($0.50) per year for each $1,000 of taxable value on real property. Taxable value normally is set at one-half of market value. Please note- this is NO CHANGE to what you are paying now.
The table below illustrates the costs for different property values:
| Market Value | Taxable Value | Recreation Millage Per Year |
|---|---|---|
|
$60,000 |
$30,000 | $15 |
| $80,000 | $40,000 | $20 |
| $100,000 | $50,000 | $25 |
| $150,000 | $75,000 | $37 |
| $200,000 | $100,000 | $50 |
Thank you for reading, and for your support for our community! I would encourage you to visit our website and look for more opportunities for information before the spring. In early March, our Oriole Summer Fun program materials will also be out, so that we can learn all about our new expanded recreation opportunities available in Charlotte!
Go Orioles! Oriole Pride!
Dr. Mandy Stewart,
CPS Superintendent
