Extra Mill Won't Cost Everyone

An additional one mili levy for refurbishing and repairing school sites, buildings and equipment, if approved by voters Monday, will not mean additional costs for some Ann Arbor school district taxpayers, according to Supt. Harry Howard. At a press conference Tuesday afternoon Howard said many voters are not aware of the Property Tax Relief Act of 1973 passed by the legislature in May. Under the act, senior citizens, some veterans and all blind persons are eligible for special benefits and all property owners and renters are eligible for property tax relief up to $500. Howard said if the tax credit or refund a taxpayer was to receive was less than the $500 limit, the taxpayer would receive all or part of the one-mill increase ackjn the form of a larger tax credit or refund. "I'm not trying to say citizens are going to get something for nothing," Howard said. But for some there will be no net cost increase, he added. The tax increase will be offset by the larger rebate. In addition to the one mili levy for buildings and sites, voters will also decide on a 6.67 mili renewal. Both are five year issues. Howard said it is important voters approve both issues now to givei the school district adequate planning time for the 1974-75 budget. The 6.67 milis raise $5 million annually or about 20 per cent of the school operating budget. Voter approval of the renewal, Proposal A, will not mean an increase in'taxes. The operating millage rate will continue at 32.55 milis. If voters reject the renewal, Howard said the Board of Education probably would return to voters with the requst in June. If it was rejected a second time, the school district would have to opérate on half day sessions, he added. The additional one mili for buildings, equipment and sites is expected to bring approximately $800,000 per year for five years. The administration has identified some $4,752,537 of requests for renovations and improvements if the one mili is approved. Priorities will be established annually by the Board of Education. If voters approve Proposal B, the separate levy for a building and site fund, the school district tax rate will increase by one mili. The owner of a house with a market value of $20,000 which is assessed and equalized at $10,000 could expect to pay $10 more in taxes per year if the additional one mili is approved. o o The News Friday will publish an article explaining the Property Tax Relief Act and telling how to apply. Included will be charts which may be used to estímate how much credit, if any, you are due to receive. i Ah, Enthusiasm! Some Ann Arbor school district voters are more eager than others to cast their vote for the 6.67 mili renewal and additional one mili for refurbishing and repairing sites, buildings and equipment. One school administrator and his wife went to the polls last night only to find election day isn't until Monday.