Â黨ÐÇ¿Õmv to seek millage renewal on May ballot
The Â黨ÐÇ¿Õmv Board of Trustees unanimously voted to place a millage renewal proposal on the May 2 ballot during their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 4.ÌýÌý
The proposal would renew the current millage for Â黨ÐÇ¿Õmv, which expires with the 2023 tax levy, for another 20 years. The current millage generates nearly 30 percent of LMC’s total operational budget.Ìý
“This is a renewal of critical funding that the community has previously voted to support,†Â黨ÐÇ¿Õmv President Dr. Trevor Kubatzke said. “It is important to note that we are not seeking any tax increase. This proposal would freeze the LMC tax rate for district residents for the next 20 years.â€ÌýÌý
A millage is the rate at which property taxes are levied on real estate or other property. The millage rate is the number of dollars of tax assessed for each $1,000 of property value. A mill is one-thousandth of a dollar or one-tenth of a cent. LMC’s renewal proposal is for 0.8804 of a mill. Ìý
“Â黨ÐÇ¿Õmv has a demonstrated 76-year history of financial accountability, responsibility, and commitment to the community,†LMC Board Chair John Grover said. “The college continues to provide outstanding training and education to all community residents while maintaining an affordable tuition rate.Ìý
“LMC offers more thanÌý75 accredited academic programsÌýwith small class sizes taught by accomplished and knowledgeable faculty,†he continued. “Nearly 400 high school students are enrolled in ourÌýEarly College Program. Many of our in-district students qualify for free tuition through theÌýLMC Promise. Plus, LMC offers community destinations such as theÌýFab LabÌýand, the largest performing arts center in the region. The millage renewal is important to continuing the impact LMC has on our students, employers, the local economy, and the community.â€ÌýÌýÌý
According to a 2021 study byÌý, LMC’sÌýpositive economic impact on the community totals more than $400 million a year. This includes the economic and social impact of LMC alumni, workforce training, and college operations. LMC is a leader in higher education, community and employer partnerships, workforce training, and retraining and serves as a cultural hub for Southwest Michigan.ÌýÌý
“As the labor market continues to change, Â黨ÐÇ¿Õmv is the choice for employers and workers, helping to strengthen the regional economy,†Kubatzke said. “The number one issue for economic development is workforce and people, and LMC plays a key role in enhancing and expanding training to attract and retain quality employers and good paying jobs.â€ÌýÌýÌý
For more information, visitÌýlakemichigancollege.edu/millageÌýor contact Al Pscholka, LMC Executive Director, Community & Governmental Relations, atÌýapscholka@lakemichigancollege.eduÌýor 269-861-3092.ÌýÌýÌý