Sturgis schools approve millage language

Language for a proposed operating, non-homestead millage was approved Monday by the Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education.

The district previously asked for the non-homestead millage in February, but the matter was defeated by a margin of about 53 percent to 47 percent.

Superintendent Art Ebert said the district has used the millage – originally approved in 2014 at 18 mills for 20 years, and assessed only on second homes and businesses – for operational expenses. The Headlee Amendment rollback has scaled the millage assessment back to the current rate of 17.6862 mills through 2034.

The board and district officials said they believe the measure failed because the measure did not reach enough residents.

The matter will appear on the August primary ballot.