WSCC millage renewal on May. 5 ballot

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

VICTORY TOWNSHIP — Voters in the West Shore Community College district will decide May 5 whether to approve a 10-year capital millage proposal that college officials say continues a long-standing funding mechanism for campus improvements.

The proposal asks voters to authorize 0.9604 mill — or about 96 cents per $1,000 of taxable value — from 2026 through 2035 to fund capital improvements at the college. While ballot language describes the request as a new millage, college officials say it is a continuation of a capital millage that has been in place since 1996.

If approved, the millage is expected to generate about $4.1 million annually, including an estimated $4,108,147 in 2026.

According to the college, funds would be used for facility maintenance, instructional equipment and campus improvements. Initial projects could include new instructional equipment, expansion of the AgScience Lab in partnership with West Shore Educational Service District and Michigan State University, renovation of the student services area and roof replacement at the technical center.

Future projects would be prioritized based on program and facility needs.

An independent economic impact study conducted by Lightcast in February 2025 found the college contributes $43.3 million annually to the regional economy and supports approximately 720 jobs, according to information released by the college.

The ballot language states the millage would increase the constitutional tax rate limitation for general ad valorem taxes within the college district by 0.9604 mill for 10 years to provide funds for capital improvements.

The college district includes Mason and Manistee counties and portions of Lake, Oceana and Newaygo counties.

The proposal also notes that several tax increment authorities within the district — including downtown development authorities and brownfield redevelopment authorities — may capture a portion of the millage revenue as permitted by law. The amount captured in the first year is estimated at approximately $128,000.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 5. Absentee voting is available through local clerks’ offices.

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