Aug 4 Ballot: Oxford Community Schools Operating Millage Replacement

Oxford, Ortonville, MI – Voters in the Oxford School District have a proposal on the Aug 4 ballot. The ballot language states:

This proposal, if approved by the electors, would, replace, restore and extend the authority of the School District to levy the statutory limit of 18 mills on all property, except principal residences and other property exempted by law, which currently expires with the School District’s 2026 tax levy and allow the School District to continue to levy the statutory limit of 18 mills in the event of future Headlee rollbacks required by the Michigan Constitution of up to 3 mills.

The authorization will allow the School District to continue to receive revenues at the full per pupil foundation allowance permitted by the State.

Shall the limitation on the total amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residences and other property exempted by law, situated within the Oxford Community Schools, Counties of Oakland and Lapeer, State of Michigan, be increased, in the amount of 21 mills with 18 mills being the maximum allowable levy ($18.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation), for a period of ten (10) years, 2026 to 2035, inclusive with 17.3155 mills of the above 21 mills being a replacement of authorized millage which will otherwise expire with the 2026 tax levy and 0.6845 mills being a restoration of previously authorized millage lost as a result of the rollbacks required by the Michigan Constitution?

This operating millage if approved and levied, would provide estimated revenues to the School District of $252,288 during the 2026 calendar year, to be used for general operating purposes.

Oxford Schools has a page on their website about the millage at

It includes the following Q&A: https://www.oxfordschools.org/o/ocs/page/millage

What is it?
This is a millage on non-homestead properties (commercial, industrial, and second homes).

How am I impacted?
There is no tax increase to a homeowner with a primary residence.

Why is this important?
This funding is critical to the day-to-day operations of Oxford Community Schools. The district currently collects funds from an Operating Millage. If the renewal/replacement does not pass, the district will need to cut approximately $7 Million from its annual budget. Those cuts will deeply impact services the district is able to provide.

How can this money be spent?
These funds support the school district’s general operating budget to cover necessary expenses to provide educational programs and services.

More info: https://www.oxfordschools.org/o/ocs/page/millage

Several communities also have proposals on the ballot. For the full list and more election information visit the Oakland County Clerk’s website.

Check out the Oakland County Election Page for info on other proposals.