Taxpayers now know about how much it will cost them if voters approve a bond issue for Niles Community Schools this spring.

On Monday, the Niles school board chose to pursue a package of two bond proposals and set the tax levy rate at 2.89 mills for the first bond proposal and 1 mills (plus or minus 5 percent) for the second.

The first bond proposal would generate roughly $29.7 million and the second $10.3 million over the life of the 30-year bond.

Voters have the option of approving one, both or neither, but they must approve the first in order for the second to become available.

The first bond proposal would pay for what the district is calling its “highest priority” needs, such as mechanical replacements, electrical upgrades, technology, ADA accessibility, code compliance and window replacements throughout the district.

The second package would include additional projects like classroom finishes, new furniture and plumbing replacements in the district. Read more here.

The projects were chosen based on an assessment of the district by project architect TMP Architecture, feedback from district staff and feedback from the community.

Misty Raatz, of TMP Architecture, told the board Monday that it was important to keep the bond rate fewer than 3 mills.

“Perception wise, anything over 3 (mills) has been very hard to pass in Michigan,” she said.

Assuming the bond proposals are approved by the state, they will be placed on the ballot in the spring.

How much will it cost taxpayers?

According to Tom Skarbek, the district’s financial manager, the average taxable value of a home in Niles is $33,100. That same home would have a market value of about $66,200.

If voters approve the first bond proposal of 2.89 mills, property taxes on that home would increase by $95.66 a year.

If the second bond proposal of 1 mills passes, property taxes on that home would go up an additional $33.10 a year.

Property taxes would rise by $128.76 a year if both bond proposals pass. That is $10.73 a month or 35 cents a day.

For a home with a taxable value of $110,000, a home with a market value of $220,000 a property owner would pay an additional $317.90 a year in property taxes if the first bond proposal passes and an additional $110 a year if the second bond proposal passes. The total increase in taxes if both bond proposals pass is $427.90 a year.

More on the Niles School Board bond proposals:
• Bond project recap
• Survey: 80 percent support bond issue
• Neighboring districts’ millage rates (sinking fund/bond)