Election Day is Tuesday, May X 

On [Date], Schoolcraft County residents will vote on a proposal for a millage renewal of .22 mills for a ten-year period. SCD's current millage was passed in 2018 and is currently set to expire in 2028. In addition to essential day-to-day expenses (salaries, office rent, utilities, etc.), this millage supports programs and services offered by SCD. The exact language of what will be on the ballot is as follows: 

​Shall the Limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the County of Schoolcraft, Michigan, be re-established at the rate of 0.22 mills (22 cents per thousand dollars of taxable value) for a period of ten (10) years, 2028 to 2037 inclusive, to provide funding for conservation, forestry and education purposes by the Schoolcraft Conservation District?

Vertical Divider

​​The millage generates roughly $100,000 a year, or roughly a third of SCD's annual revenue. This funding is vital in allowing us to provide services to county residents, including those listed below. This millage renewal would not be a new tax and would not increase taxes above the current rate.  

      Common questions

Is this a new tax? ​

No, this is not a new tax and would not increase taxes above their current rates. This is a renewal of a millage that was approved in 2018 and is set to expire in 2027.

What does this millage fund?

This millage supports SCD's day-to-day functions and operations including salaries, grant matching, office rent, utilities, equipment, and other costs associated with various programs. This millage currently provides us $100,000 income annually. More information about the services and programs this millage helps support can be found below. ​

Who will be voting on the millage? ​

All registered voters of Schoolcraft County will be able to vote on this millage.

How much will this millage cost ME?

The millage rate is 22 mills, or $0.22 per $1,000 taxable value. The median property value in Schoolcraft County is roughly $120,000 (taxable value $60,000). Using this as an example, the proposed millage would cost the property owner $13.20 per year, or $1.10 per month. 

What happens if this millage doesn't pass?

If this millage doesn't pass in the May 2026 election, SCD would request its inclusion on the ballot in the November 2026 election and, if needed, in the 2027 elections. Failure to renew the millage would change SCD's approach to staffing, services, and programs offered, which would likely include staff and service/program cuts. We would reevaluate our long-range plans and prioritize services/programs we believe to be most valuable to Schoolcraft's residents and natural resources.

Founded in 1965, Schoolcraft Conservation District is a government subdivision organized by the community to provide natural resource management services and implement conservation measures that address local concerns. Our mission is promote and facilitate the wise use of natural resources in Schoolcraft County through programs and services like those included below. 

SCD provides free site visits to landowners for purposes including species identification, pest and disease identification, and land management advice.

In addition to providing educational materials on natural resource topics, SCD hosts frequent workshops and outreach events.​

Each year, SCD funds conservation projects in Schoolcraft County. Information about past projects/how to apply can be found here.

SCD offers scholarships for students pursuing an education in a natural resource field, teachers for continuing ed training, and summer camp attendance.

Our millage provides us the match needed to apply for grants that support conservation related projects like reforestation and invasive species control.

SCD runs Schoolcraft County's Soil Erosion Control (SESC) program, which plays an important role in ensuring soil stabilization measures are in place during earth changes.

As every Schoolcraft County resident supports us through this millage, we strive to ensure that every resident benefits from our work in some way. Whether you're a landowner or renter, producer or consumer, young or old, we are here to serve you; we continue to try and leverage our millage funds in a way that supports a growth of our services. If you see a gap in the services we provide, we welcome your feedback and encourage you to reach out.

Find voter information, including your registration status and election day polling place, here.