On Tuesday, May 4, voters in the Kalamazoo RESA (KRESA) service area approved the renewal of a six-year, 1.5-mill property tax to help fund the cost of special education in local schools. Voters originally approved the millage in 2015. The funds will be used by KRESA to reimburse local, public school districts and public academies for mandated special education costs.

Unofficially, the proposal passed 64% to 36%.

“We are fortunate to serve a wonderfully supportive community,” said Dave Campbell, KRESA Superintendent. “Without the $12.5 million this millage renewal generates for special education, local districts would be required to pay for special education services out of their general funds,” he said. “We are grateful this community continues to support the education of all students.”

Because this is a millage renewal, it does not cause an increase in tax rates. Homeowners will pay the same rate based on the taxable value of their home, which is typically about half of the market value. A homeowner who owns a house with a taxable value of $75,000 (approximate market value $150,000) will pay $112.50 per year or $9.38 per month.

In addition, taxpayers in the KRESA service area will see a reduction in their millage rate in May 2021, when the 0.275 debt millage currently being levied will be removed because bonds approved in 2007 will be paid off.