St. Clair County voters will decide Aug. 4 whether to renew a property tax levy supporting St. Clair County Community College’s operations, workforce training programs and partnerships that allow students to earn four-year degrees locally.
The proposal would renew a 0.5000-mill levy — reduced to 0.4932 mills due to required Headlee Amendment rollbacks — for four years, from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2031. The reduction reflects limits that lower local tax rates as property values rise.
If approved, the millage is expected to generate about $3.73 million in its first year.
The proposal is a renewal of an existing levy rather than a new tax. College officials say it would continue the current millage rate and extend the levy for another four years.
One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of taxable value. At 0.4932 mills, the levy would cost about $49.32 annually for a property with a taxable value of $100,000.
According to ballot language, revenue from the millage would be used to provide job training and retraining, upgrade technology, equipment and buildings, and maintain and expand junior/senior and four-year college offerings.
SC4 President Kirk Kramer said the renewal is essential to the college’s ability to serve students and local employers.
“It’s important for the college to continue to be supported by the community,” Kramer said. “We serve the community, we’re part of the community. And it’s essential for us to continue meeting our mission and vision.”
The millage was first approved by voters in 1999 and has been renewed every four years since. Most recently, voters approved the levy in 2022.
Kramer said the revenue supports three main priorities: workforce training, maintaining facilities and technology, and expanding access to bachelor’s degree programs through university partnerships.
“Community colleges are very well positioned to support the economy of the area,” Kramer said.
He highlighted programs such as nursing, respiratory therapy, radiologic technology, welding and computer numerical control machining, which allow students to earn credentials and enter the workforce directly. He also pointed to transfer opportunities for students pursuing careers that require advanced degrees.
According to the college, tuition makes up about 40% of SC4’s annual revenue, with state appropriations accounting for 23% and property taxes 34%. The college’s 2026–27 budget is approximately $44 million.
Kramer said SC4 is also exploring new programs based on local demand, including dental hygiene and hospitality, while working with Saginaw Valley State University to expand bachelor’s degree offerings available in the community.
Asked what he would tell undecided voters, Kramer emphasized the importance of continued public support.
“It’s essential to demonstrate the community support for the community college,” he said. “It’s a millage that’s been here since 1999, approved every four years since then. And we need that positive affirmation that this is in place for the college going forward.”
The SC4 proposal is one of three countywide renewal questions on the Aug. 4 ballot. Voters will also consider renewals for the county’s ambulance services millage and senior citizens millage.
Voters can read about the millage on SC4’s website.
Contact reporter Andy Jeffrey at ajeffrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Voters to weigh SC4 millage renewal that supports college operations
Reporting by Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald | USA TODAY Network
