Voters’ decisive approvals of tax renewal requests Tuesday will provide crucial ongoing support of day-to-day operations in two Kent ISD districts, as well as needed building and infrastructure improvements in one of them.
Residents approved non-homestead tax levies of 18 mills in Byron Center and Wyoming public schools. The 10-year levies apply to commercial and industrial properties and second homes, not primary residences. About 74 percent of voters cast yes votes in Byron Center, while about 69 percent supported Wyoming’s request.
In Byron Center, the state-authorized tax brings in about $4.6 million annually of the district’s $36 million operating budget. In Wyoming, it generates about $6 million yearly toward a $33 million budget.
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By the Numbers… Byron Center Building and site sinking fund renewal Wyoming Source: Kent County unofficial election results |
About 70 percent of Byron Center voters also approved renewal of a 1-mill, 10-year sinking fund that generates some $1 million a year. The money pays for building improvements such as roofs, parking lots and heating and cooling systems as well as maintaining the community pool.
School chiefs for each district expressed gratitude for the strongly supportive votes, none of which raise residents’ current tax rates.
“I am humbled and do not take for granted to the continual support of the BC community for the top notch education of our kids,” said Byron Center Superintendent Dan Takens. “The approvals will allow the school district to continue to operate in an efficient and well-maintained manner.”
“I am pleased and thankful for the continued support from the community, particularly those most impacted (businesses and second homes),” said Wyoming Superintendent Tom Reeder. “We will continue to be good stewards of the public funds, and these funds will allow us to continue to maintain all our existing programs with a focus on even better outcomes.”
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