Members of the Wayne-Westland Community Schools Board of Education have approved a sinking fund millage question which will face voters on the Nov. 8 ballot.
The 1-mill tax request is an effort to replace the current sinking fund levy which will expire next year. If approved by voters, the requested millage will become effective in 2014 and continue for a term of 10 years, according to ballot language.
Sinking funds can only be used to support school safety improvements, technology improvements and repair and construction of school buildings and facilities. New language in the state rules for use of a sinking fund millage now allows districts to use funds for security upgrades and technology upgrades or improvements.
The new sinking fund, a 1/10th of a mill increase is anticipated to generate about $2.2 million annually. The current sinking fund generates about $1.8 annually and district officials are mindful of the need for the estimated $400,000 increase. Officials said the current sinking fund has paid for roofs, boilers and parking lots and other building infrastructure repairs.
A mill is $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value of a home, usually about half market value.
The Sinking Fund will allow the district to properly maintain the more than 1,868,816 square feet of educational space and 587 acres of grounds and property in a condition suitable for the thousands of students and community members that use the schools on a daily basis, officials said.
