Rochester school board hears 4.8% rise in taxable value as budget hearing begins

The Rochester Community School District Board of Education convened a truth in taxation and budget hearing on the district's revenue outlook and tax assumptions. The board approved the meeting agenda 6-0 before hearing a presentation from district staff.

Mr. McDaniel, a district presenter, said the district's 2025 taxable values rose by about 4.8% compared with a 6.6% increase the previous year. "We see about 4.8% of taxable value growth compared to the same time last year," he said. He added that growth varies by municipality, "anywhere from 2.8 to 5.5%."

Mr. McDaniel cited Oakland County assessment figures for levy structure, saying 6 mills are levied on commercial personal property and 18 mills on other non-homestead property in 2024 and 2025 and that those rules will continue. He also explained that the millage reduction fraction lowers some levies over time and said that is the reason the district pursued a millage renewal. The presentation noted the local portion of the district's foundational allowance as $9,608 for 2024-25.

The hearing proceeded with the taxation presentation; staff signaled additional budget details would follow. Public comment is scheduled later in the agenda under item 5, and the board did not take further budget actions at this session.

Details in the presentation were provided to the board by district staff and based on Oakland County valuation data; Mr. McDaniel said some totals and the millage reduction effects will change year to year as assessments and statutory formulas are applied.