News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Alcona Community Schools Superintendent Dan O’Connor shows the renovated kitchen at Alcona High School that became possible through millage funds.

ALPENA — Residents in the Onaway and Alcona areas will have the chance to cast their votes to help fund Onaway Area Community School District through a bond proposal, or Alcona Community Schools through two millage renewals, on May 6.

ONAWAY BOND PROPOSAL

In Onaway, the school district hopes to pass a bond proposal that will make improvements to the school’s heating and cooling system, add a secure entrance vestibule, and improve drainage in parts of the building at a lower elevation, according to the 2025 bond proposal brochure.

The first projects will begin in the summer of 2026, upon voter approval.

The first priority will be the new heating and cooling system, which will be capable of bringing in more fresh air. It will include new system controls to improve air quality and classroom temperatures.

A new secure entrance vestibule will be installed at the front of the school building with an office for the School Resource Officer to control access to the building.

Work will be done to improve drainage that is currently causing water to flow into the building in areas of lower elevation.

In the summer of 2027, the heating and cooling system will be further upgraded to cover the central portion of the building, including the office, gymnasium, cafeteria, band room, and library, according to the brochure.

If the 2025 bond proposal is approved by voters, the estimated debt levy for these bonds would be 1.41 mills, with a net increase of 0.85 mills from the 2024 debt millage rate, according to the brochure. The average millage rate for these bonds over the life of the bonds is expected to be 1.78 mils. The debt payoff for this bond is expected to be less than 21 years.

A chart in the brochure calculates the increase in cost for the estimated millage increase of 0.85 mills. A home worth $100,000 in market value with a taxable value of $50,000 would cost $42.50 per year.

Interim Superintendent Jake Huffman said that the bond is essentially a flat proposal. While there will be an increase from last year with one bond falling off, the amount taxpayers owe will be about the same as what has been traditionally levied.

The bond will update a lot of mechanicals in the building that are around 60 years old, Huffman said. Additionally, the bond will fund an increase in the building’s safety and better air quality.

Absentee ballots became available to the general public on March 27, according to the brochure. On election day, which is May 6, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

ALCONA MILLAGE RENEWALS

Voters in the Alcona Community Schools district will have the option to renew two millages. The first millage is a renewal of the 18 mills non-homestead tax, according to the 2025 millage renewal information brochure. This millage provides 90% of the school’s local operating revenue. Since this millage is a renewal, taxpayers will not pay an increased tax rate.

The second millage is a 0.9847 mill sinking fund renewal for capital improvements, such as construction, repairs, technology, and security updates. This is also a renewal, meaning taxpayers will not see an increase in their tax rate. Sinking funds cannot be used for wages or benefits.

A homeowner with a taxable value of $50,000 on their principal residence would owe $49.24 in taxes for the sinking fund tax levy, according to an example cost chart on the Alcona Community Schools website.

A homeowner with a taxable value of $50,000 on a house that is not a principal residence or another exempt classification would owe $49.24 for the sinking fund tax levy plus $900 for the operating tax levy.

In 2021 through 2025, numerous projects have been completed using the millage funds to improve Alcona’s school buildings.

Windows in the high school were replaced to improve energy efficiency throughout the building.

The kitchen and equipment at the middle and high school were modernized to better serve students, according to the brochure.

The boiler system and hot water heater at the middle and high school were updated to improve energy efficiency and cost savings.

Through the sinking fund renewal, the district could start new projects, including securing the elementary and middle and high school main entrances to enhance safety and accessibility, according to the brochure.

They also hope to replace original classroom windows, exterior doors, and the outdated boiler heating system at the elementary school.

Additionally, the district would like to upgrade the aging parking lot, bus lanes, and student drop-off and pick-up areas at the elementary school.

Superintendent Dan O’Connor said he wants voters to know that they will not have to pay a dime more in taxes if the millage renewals pass. The high school and middle school building has 70-year-old guts that need to be updated and maintained, he said. The millage renewals will ensure that updates can happen as needed.

Polls in Alcona will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 6.

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@TheAlpenaNews.com.