Tecumseh board votes not to renew recreational millage, ending dedicated pool funding
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Summary
The Tecumseh Board of Education voted unanimously to not renew the district's recreational millage, which supported pool operations; trustees said the district will not place a renewal on the May 2026 ballot and taxpayers should not see the millage on this summer's tax bill.
The Tecumseh Board of Education voted on Jan. 26 to not renew the district's recreational millage, a levy that contributed to the operation of the community pool. In a roll-call vote the board recorded Ayes from Trustees Martinez, Davis, McGee, Lewis and Miller and from Board President Brooks; Trustee Simpson was absent.
The millage is scheduled to expire in 2026 and, because of the district's summer tax-collection structure, a renewal would have required placement on the May 2026 ballot with a February filing deadline. Superintendent Matt Hilton told the board the millage "supports the operational costs of our pool, but certainly not all of it," and that staff and small committees had recommended nonrenewal after reviewing the expected costs and current pool status.
Public comment before the vote underscored opposition from community members who said voters should be allowed to decide the pool's future. Mark Fowler, a longtime swim parent, told the board, "We gave you money and you're taking away our our pool," and asked whether past tax dollars and sinking-fund contributions would be returned or repurposed.
Board members who supported nonrenewal emphasized current fiscal and operational realities. After the motion passed, board members and staff clarified timing: the superintendent indicated that, given the procedural deadlines and the board's vote, the millage will not appear on this summer's tax bill.
What happens next: staff said they will continue to provide details about the district's operating costs and sinking-fund obligations tied to pool maintenance and demolition; trustees referenced a superintendent-led exploratory committee previously formed to consider future pool options.
Vote record: Motion to not renew recreational millage — Passed. Roll call: Martinez Aye; Davis Aye; McGee Aye; Lewis Aye; Miller Aye; President Brooks Aye; Simpson absent.
The board adjourned the public portion of its meeting and moved to closed session on separate student-discipline business.