Dexter School Board Will Not Raise Taxes for the 2012 Fiscal Year

For the fourth year in a row, Dexter residents residing in the will not see an increase in property taxes this year.

The Dexter Community Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to set the 2012 millage at 8.5 mills for all properties and 18 mills for all non-homestead properties (vacation homes and businesses) in the district at its meeting on Monday. Board President Larry Cobler and Vice President Michael Wendorf were absent.

"I'm pleased the board adopted a millage rate that doesn’t increase taxes for our citizens while still providing the superior education that our district is known for," superintendent Mary Marshall said.

Sharon Raschke, chief financial officer for Dexter Schools, said the board is required every year to adopt a millage rate prior to the start of the new fiscal year. The 8.5 mills is required to meet Dexter's debt obligations, including a $47.8 million bond that was issued in 2008 for improvements to district infrastructure.

The 18.5 mills is the maximum allowed under Michigan's Headlee Amendment, which requires voter approval for raising taxes above those authorized by the law.

"A portion of the district's general fund revenue comes from the local tax levy on non-homestead properties," Raschke said. "The amount of local non-homestead property tax collection combined with the amount of state aid we receive equals our total Foundation Allowance from the state."

In other action:

• The board approved the appointment of Kim Covert as the Dexter Community Education Director, and Barbara Santo as the Special Education Director for the 2012-2013 school year.