Millage

On August 4, 2026, Schoolcraft County voters will be asked to consider a new Michigan State University (MSU) Extension millage. The request of up to 0.2100 mils will provide funding for MSU Extension and 4-H educational programming and services in Schoolcraft County.  This funding would secure a local, full-time 4-H Program Coordinator position to support youth and adult volunteers.

FAQS

How much will the millage cost me?

Homeowners will be taxed $0.21 for every $1,000 of taxable home value (this is different than market value). For example, a home with a taxable value of $100,000 will be taxed $21.00 per year, or $1.75 per month, to fund MSU Extension and 4-H programming in Schoolcraft County. For this example, 

What does a “yes” vote mean and what does a “no” vote mean?

A YES vote means Schoolcraft County residents will fund MSU Extension and 4-H programs in Schoolcraft County through a tax assessment.

A NO vote means that no funding will be provided to MSU Extension and 4-H from Schoolcraft County. Local coordination of 4-H programs for youth and adult volunteers will be discontinued.

What does Schoolcraft County MSU Extension do for me?

MSU Extension is the sole entity permitted to deliver 4-H in Michigan.  Through 4-H clubs, camps, and in-school programs, youth are learning to lead, engage, and grow their connection to the community.

In addition, MSU Extension provides adult programs can empower everyday family goals, improve business practices, support sustainable community building for you, your family and your community.

How does Schoolcraft County funding for MSU Extension work?

MSU Extension is funded by a unique partnership with federal, state and county governments that combine resources to meet the needs of Michigan communities. The Schoolcraft County government has asked their constituents to fund the county portion of the MSU Extension partnership by supporting the millage proposal on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

How was MSU Extension funded 2016-2026?

In April, 2016, the Director of MSU Extension was committed to having a full-time staff member working in all Michigan counties.  A special partnership was created between two large programs within MSU Extension - 4-H and SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition and Physical Education) - to create full-time positions in counties that were not providing any financial support. SNAP-Ed was a large, federally funded grant that covered the expenses of 50% of the position and MSU Extension funded the other 50%.  The newly hired staff were tasked with developing programs and building partnerships in an effort to gain county-level financial support.

Schoolcraft County's Board of Commissioners did see the value in having MSU Extension and 4-H working in the county.  They voted to start financially supporting the work, but at a rate lower than necessary to support 50% of the staff member's work.  Over the years, the board increased their investment little by little, but the county's budget was too tight to reach the 50% mark.

When the SNAP-Ed grant was sunset at the federal level, a local entity came forward with a partnership offer to keep the work of MSU Extension and 4-H in the community.  That partnership ended in August 2025.

Funding must be secured from Schoolcraft County residents to continue having local 4-H and adult education programs.  Schoolcraft County's operational budget does not have capacity to fund a full- or part-time 4-H Program Coordinator position.  Because of this, the Board of Commissioners agreed to come before voters with this millage proposal.

What does the ballot language say?

Shall the limitation upon the total amount of general ad valorem taxes imposed upon real and tangible personal property for all purposes in one year under the Michigan Constitution be increased for funding operations of MSU Extension services, including 4-H Youth Programs, in Schoolcraft County, and levy for that purpose a new millage of up to 0.2100 mills ($0.21 per $1,000 of taxable value) for a period of five (5) years, 2026 through 2030, inclusive, for the purpose of providing operating funds to Schoolcraft County MSU Extension, including 4-H.