“This does not impact our residents in any way,” Pamela Rader, the Hillman Community Schools superintendent, said. “This is general funds that we utilize for the students at Hillman Community Schools that go into our operating purposes.”

If the proposal fails, it could lead to a cut in the amount of money the school system receives for each student enrolled in the district and force the school district to cut or reduce programs. It is something that Rader states would be particularly impactful for Hillman.

“This is the only kind of millage that common community schools have,” Rader said. “It would be a devastating impact for community schools.”

Both renewals, if passed, won’t tax property owners’ primary residences since it only applies to industrial and commercial businesses, apartment buildings, some agricultural property, and second homes, cottages, and camps.

News Photo by Temi Fadayomi Hillman Community Schools Superintendent Pamela Rader and Hillman Community Schools Elementary teacher Jana Post speak to her fifth-grade students on Tuesday.

The current 18 mills bring in about $9.7 million a year for APS and about $1.9 million for Hillman Community Schools.

The 18 mills are used for general operations, programs, and staffing.

Rader said, “90% of general fund dollars pay for our staff.”

To promote the upcoming renewal, David Rabbideau, superintendent of APS, said he has spoken to various businesses and organizations around Alpena to inform them about the tax, what it will be used for, and how much it will cost some property owners.

According to Rabbideau, these talks have gone well.

“The response from the groups I’ve spoken to has been very positive,” said Rabbideau. “I have been able to clear up any questions they have on what the millage is or what it is not. Most of the people that I’ve been meeting with have asked how they can help spread the message of the importance of it. We certainly appreciate their support of the school district.”

For more information on each millage renewal, visit www.alpenaschools.com/aps-millage-information/ for Alpena Public Schools and www.hillmanschools.com/strategic-plan/ for Hillman Community Schools.