Non-homestead levy provides $3 million to Niles Schools

Voters will be asked on Tuesday to approve the renewal of an operating millage that will provide Niles Community Schools with about $3 million in annual revenue.

The millage is levied on non-homestead property only — meaning land and buildings not designated as someone’s residence. That could be business property, rental property and vacation homes. This accounts for about 9 percent of the district’s budget.

“We are looking at significant reductions and cuts to make end meets if we can’t get that renewal,” said Niles Supt. Michael Lindley.

The school’s operating millage is set to expire in 2014. The renewal would be for a period of 10 years.

If it doesn’t pass, Lindley said the district would place the renewal back on the November ballot.

“The good news to my knowledge is no school in the state has failed to pass it on a second try,” Lindley said. “The Niles community has always passed it on the first time. We are hoping that happens this time.”

The operating millage is for the same levy rate — 18.5 mills. That would be $18.50 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation of non-homestead property.