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Riverview board approves ballot language for Nov. 4 operating millage special election
Summary
The Riverview Board of Education approved language for an operating millage proposal to appear on a Nov. 4, 2025 special election ballot, seeking to restore lost nonhomestead millage and avoid an estimated $349,000 revenue loss.
The Riverview Community School District Board of Education voted July 22 to place an operating millage proposal on the ballot for a special election on Nov. 4, 2025. The board approved the ballot language and related administrative steps, including certification deadlines and publication requirements.
The proposal seeks voter approval to levy up to 18 mills on nonhomestead property to recover a portion of the district's guaranteed foundation allowance under the State School Aid Act, the board was told. The board discussed the interaction with the Headlee Amendment rollback if nonhomestead property growth outpaces inflation.
Why it matters: school operating millage directly affects the district's ability to draw down the full state foundation allowance per pupil; board materials noted a potential loss of $349,000 if the district does not restore the lost millage.
Superintendent Hatzel presented the background and a staff member summarized the mechanics. The staff member said, "So what this proposal does is put to the voters the opportunity to elect to allow us to do, to restore that lost millage ... and it will allow us to get our full foundation allowance and avoid the potential loss of $349,000." The staff member explained the district would need to certify ballot language and provide proof copies of the ballot to legal counsel and the election coordinator in time for printing.
The board directed the secretary to file the resolution with the election coordinator and any clerk designated to conduct the election by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, as described in the resolution. The resolution also requests publication of election notices in the Riverview Register and use of counsel-prepared ballot summary materials.
Motion and vote: Vice President Matt Diminsky moved to accept the proposed resolution and ballot language; Treasurer Davis supported the motion. A roll call vote recorded unanimous approval among members present: President Tim Boer (yes), Vice President Matt Diminsky (yes), Treasurer Davis (yes), Trustee O'Brien (yes) and Trustee Toth (yes). Trustee Meeks and Secretary Walker were excused.
Next steps: The board said the resolution will be used to notify the election coordinator and to proceed with the administrative steps required to place the question on the Nov. 4 ballot.
