Oakland County voters head to the polls tomorrow for a three-question school tax lineup that could reshape local budgets and building plans. On the ballot: Avondale’s bid to renew key millages and a Grand Blanc bond that would bankroll a performing-arts center and building upgrades, all of which will influence non-homestead property levies and where districts can spend on safety and technology upgrades.
Avondale renewals would restore operating and sinking funds
Avondale voters are being asked to keep two long-term revenue streams alive. The district wants to renew its non-homestead operating millage at the statutory limit of 18 mills for 20 years, along with a separate 10-year, 1-mill building and site sinking fund. The operating levy applies only to commercial, industrial, and second-home properties, not primary residences, and district information states that sinking-fund dollars can be used only for capital projects, not staff salaries or routine operating costs, according to Avondale School District.
Projected revenue for Avondale
Local estimates suggest that keeping the 18-mill non-homestead operating levy in place would bring in about $11.5 million next year, while the 1-mill sinking fund is projected to generate roughly $1.3 million in 2026. As reported by MLive, those dollars would come largely from non-homestead parcels such as businesses and second homes, not owner-occupied primary residences.
Grand Blanc zero-increase bond focuses on arts, classrooms and tech
Grand Blanc Community Schools is asking voters in parts of northern Holly Township and nearby areas to sign off on a “zero-increase” bond package that district officials say would not raise residents’ tax rates, but would extend the current bonded debt rate to cover a new round of projects. The district’s voter information describes plans such as a performing-arts center at Grand Blanc High School, an early-childhood expansion at the Perry Center, and classroom additions to phase out modular buildings, and Bridge Michigan lists the bond proposal on the May 5 ballot at roughly $149 million.
How and where to vote
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Election Day. Many local clerks have posted early-voting hours and absentee-ballot request deadlines in advance of tomorrow’s vote. Official notices spell out when residents can vote early in person and the cutoff for requesting an absentee ballot. State election guidance notes that absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day and that voters who are in line when polls close must be allowed to cast a ballot. Voters should check with their township or city clerk for precise locations, hours, and any district-specific details.
Why this matters
Tuesday’s millage and bond questions are part of a much bigger wave of local school funding decisions across Michigan this cycle. Bridge Michigan reports that dozens of local school proposals appear on May ballots statewide, including roughly 35 bond requests. The results will help determine which districts move ahead with near-term construction, safety upgrades, and technology plans, and which will have to regroup.
Voters can review sample ballots, confirm polling locations, and check registration status through the Michigan Voter Information Center, while municipal clerks remain the go-to source for questions about how a “yes” or “no” vote would affect local tax bills and specific projects in each district.
