HARRISON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS: DO THE MILLAGE NUMBERS ADD UP?
A group called "YES for Harrison Kids" is campaigning in support of Harrison Community Schools' November 3 operating millage proposal.
The campaign claims approximately $5.7 million in annual revenue is at stake.
So I checked the numbers. 🔎
📊 According to the Michigan Department of Education's 2025 Taxable Value System report for Harrison Community Schools (District 18060), the taxable values used in my calculation are:
🏠 Non-PRE real property: $305,196,266
🏢 Commercial personal property: $4,072,900
🏭 Industrial personal property: $4,019,300
TOTAL TAXABLE VALUE: $313,288,466
At an assumed 18-mill operating tax rate, that produces an estimated annual levy of:
💰 $5,639,192
The campaign's estimate of approximately $5.7 million is consistent with this calculation.
That figure represents an estimated tax levy, not necessarily the amount actually collected. Exemptions and other adjustments may affect the final revenue.
📌 NOW, ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN ITSELF...
"YES for Harrison Kids" is promoting the millage and warning of potential impacts on teachers, transportation, athletics, robotics, and other student activities.
The campaign acknowledges that these are potential impacts, NOT confirmed cuts.
I also attempted to locate publicly accessible campaign finance reports for "YES for Harrison Kids" through Clare County's online resources.
I could not locate those reports online.
That does NOT mean the committee failed to register or file its required reports.
But it leaves an important question unanswered:
❓ Who is organizing and financially supporting the campaign?
Campaign finance reports are public records. Voters should be able to easily review who contributes to campaigns seeking their votes.
The financial records support the campaign's approximate $5.7 million revenue estimate.
The campaign finance information, however, remains something I have not been able to independently review.
https://ladybudgetdown.com/district-debt
📚 Sources:
Michigan Department of Education — 2025 Taxable Value System, Harrison Community Schools (18060)
Harrison Community Schools — published financial statements and budgets
"YES for Harrison Kids" — campaign materials
#LadyBudgetdown #HarrisonCommunitySchools #ClareCounty #MichiganSchools #SchoolMillage #CampaignFinance #PublicTransparency