October 30, 2019:
November 6, 2019:
December 4, 2019:
December 12, 2019:
March 10, 2019:
Work begins Spring/Summer of 2021
Work completed by September 2022
Representatives from Thrun Law, Plante Moran-Cresa, and PFM attended the final Open Forum to answer the public's questions regarding the March 10th Bond.
Vote March 10, 2020!
Mason Consolidated Schools hosted an Open Forum on February 12th, 2020 to answer questions regarding the upcoming Bond Proposal.
Our Superintendent Andrew Shaw and PFM's Nate Watson gave a presentation and answered the public's questions regarding the bond.
Voting is March 10, 2020.
Calculates the estimated impact of proposed millage on property tax bills with the passage of the bond issue as compared to the estimated tax bills using the 2019 millage rate, including the sinking fund millage which will no longer be levied. The model also includes the impact of any change in the estimated Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit the property is currently estimated to be eligible to receive based on the information provided.
If you would like to look up your own tax information (tax rates, taxes paid, home values, etc.), you can use the following website to look up tax-related information. Property owners can access their own information for free using either the parcel number or the address of the property.
Mason Consolidated Schools' Superintendent Andrew Shaw explains step-by-step how to use the Homestead Property Tax Credit Model on our website, eriemason.k12.mi.us/bond-proposal.
Any questions, please contact Andrew Shaw, 734-848-9304 or at shaw@eriemason.k12.mi.us.
Vote March 10, 2020!
March 10, 2020 Ballot Language.
For full resolution, see Downloads below.
Voters are asked to consider a $38 million dollar bond for a wide range of projects, including educational facilities and program enhancements, new learning opportunities, 21st century technology, safety/security enhancements, and upgrades to our infrastructure and equipment.
A bond is a lump-sum dollar amount that a school district borrows through the sale of bonds to fund large capital facility improvement projects. The district pays the bond money back over a period of years with interest--similar to a home mortgage--with funds generated by a debt millage. This provides the district with the ability to fund major capital projects and program improvements without an impact to the general fund.
A sinking fund millage is a limited property tax, considered to be a pay-as-you-go method for addressing smaller building upgrades and improvements. No debt or interest payments are incurred with a sinking fund. A district can levy a sinking fund millage for a limited number of years, as provided in the ballot proposal.
We are grateful the MCS community previously supported a 6-year sinking fund, and since its approval, the District has followed the project list that was created prior to the passage of the Sinking Fund. As projects were completed, it became evident that the needs of the District were going to be greater than what the Sinking Fund could support. At that point, all major projects were stopped, and funding has been reserved. A detailed list of every item, completed and on hold, can be found on our website. The completed projects totaled $1.3 million, and $1.5 million has been reserved, which will be applied to the building project.
The general fund budget cannot afford to pay for these large capital investments AND maintain day-to-day operations. With aging facilities now requiring extensive renovations, allocating general fund dollars to these projects would mean additional strain and less resources for in-classroom learning.
Public schools in Michigan receive operating funds on a per-pupil basis. While MCS enrollment has gradually decreased year over year, attracting and retaining students is critical. The quality of our programs and facilities plays a role in both of these areas. If approved by the voters, the bond program would upgrade facilities to support updated teaching methods, improve operational efficiencies in our facilities, and provide progressive learning environment. Parents have choices regarding where their children will receive an education. It is the intent of the District and Board of Education to maintain its reputation for providing quality programs and facilities in order to attract and retain students.
It was identified in the facilities study that Mason Consolidated Schools facilities are over 55 years old and have systems that are approaching end of life and failing. These items will not disappear; they will only worsen with age. In addition, construction costs recently have been rising after hitting very low points a few years ago. Delaying these improvements may result in higher construction costs in the future. Current interest rates on school bonds are near historic lows. If approved by the voters, the District would have to pay a smaller amount of interest to bond holders for the bonds than it would at another time should rates hold, thus maximizing taxpayer benefit. The value and vitality of a community often rests on the quality and marketability of its schools. A bond program can provide opportunities for local contractors and businesses to participate in the economic benefits of a construction program, thus providing economic stimulus to a community. It allows the district to preserve general fund dollars for instruction and classroom needs by providing a dedicated funding source to address identified and prioritized site, facility, athletic, and equipment upgrades.
To vote in the March 10, 2020 election, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age by Election Day, a resident of Michigan and of Mason Consolidated School District.
Please visit your local township or city clerk to register to vote or visit any Secretary of State office. You may register to vote online or by mail up until Monday, February 24, 2020. From February 25–March 10, registration will be open in-person ONLY at the local clerk’s office. Voter registration forms and absentee ballots are available online at www.michigan.gov/sos.
Download the full FAQ sheet below!
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