East Lansing Public School millages approved

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The East Lansing Public Schools sinking fund millage and operating millage were passed after the Michigan midterm election Nov. 6, securing the district’s funding for the next 10 years.

Within the city of East Lansing, the operating millage passed by a vote of 8221-3800. The sinking fund millage came in with a final vote of 8,317-3,819. Within Meridian Township, the operating millage passed with a 1261-956 vote and the sinking fund millage passed with 1,297-924.

In a statement released before the results were made official, Director of Finance for East Lansing Public Schools Richard Pugh said, “The unofficial results of the November 6, 2018 election show that both the operating millage and sinking fund millage for East Lansing Public Schools were approved by voters. We are thankful for the continued support of public education by East Lansing Public Schools voters. We will be in contact with the Ingham and Clinton County clerks to confirm the results.”

Jacob Hagerman was among those who voted in favor of the millages. The Michigan State University student was taught by his parents to always vote in favor of millages. “They need the money to make the schools better,” he said.

Superintendent Dori Leyko agrees the millages are crucial. In a presentation to the East Lansing City Council, she said these millages account for 25 percent of the district’s funding and severe cuts would have been made had the millages not passed.

The passed millages are similar to ones instituted in 2008 and expiring this year. The operating millage will increase property taxes on non-residential properties by $18 for each each $1,000 of taxable valuation to provide money for the district’s general fund. The sinking fund millage implements a tax of $1 for every $1,000 of a residential property’s value. This will be used for upgrading technology, construction and repairs of buildings, and school security.

These millages will expire in 2028.

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