TRENTON, Mich. - The Trenton Public Schools Board of Education voted 6-0 against supporting a proposed new, countywide school millage, The (Southgate) News Herald reported.
The Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency is proposing asking voters to approve a 1.9-mill levy that would bring in an estimated $92 million for distribution to 34 school districts within the county, including Trenton, based on each district's enrollment, The News Herald reported.
Under state law, intermediate school districts like Wayne RESA can levy up to three mills for supplemental education funding if a majority of voters living in the intermediate district approve it, according to The News Herald.
Taxpayers in Trenton would pay about $1.5 million in new taxes, based on property values, and receive about $1 million for the school district, based on enrollment, Superintendent John Savel said, according to The News Herald. However, he said it was up to the board whether to recommend supporting the proposal.
The six trustees decided against supporting the idea; a seventh was absent, according to The News Herald.
"Given the financial times, the board felt now is not the right time to ask for additional taxes," Savel told The News Herald.
SOURCE:
The (Southgate) News Herald, "Trenton:
School board opposes countywide education millage," April 22, 2010
FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Digest, "Voters turn down new school tax,"
Nov. 7, 2009
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