Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

DOWAGIAC — Dowagiac Union Schools residents are being asked to consider approving a sinking fund millage proposal on the Nov. 4 ballot. DUS is proposing the sinking fund at the rate of 0.5 mills for ten years.

The sinking fund is a “pay-as-you-go” mechanism for funding capital improvements, meaning the funds are used for projects as they become available instead of through borrowing and paying interest. The district does not expect any interest expense associated within the sinking fund.

If approved, the millage is expected to generate an estimated $400,000 to $600,000 per year for the district. Sinking fund revenues are legally restricted and cannot be used for general day-to-day operating expenses like staff salaries or textbooks.

Both mayoral candidates, Don Lyons and Pat Bakeman, have endorsed and indicated their support for the proposal.

DUS projects that approving the 0.5 mill increase would result in a combined debt millage and sinking fund levy of 4.30 mills for 2026. This is the same combined levy amount as the total debt millage levied in 2025. For a home with a market value of $100,000 (estimated taxable value of $50,000), the annual cost would be $25, or approximately $2.08 per month.

If the measure passes, the funds will be used for specific capital improvement projects, including school security improvements, technology upgrades, purchases of bus and transportation vehicles, parts, and supplies and construction and repairs of school buildings, and real estate.

The district is proposing the millage to ensure its facilities are safe, secure, modern and attractive for the instruction and safety of students and staff.

The full text of the ballot proposal can be found at www.dowagiacschools.org. Readers with questions can call the Central Office at (269) 782-4400.