Almont Community Survey

**This survey is intended for Almont taxpayers only.**

Almont Community Schools is dedicated to ensuring our facilities remain safe, efficient, and supportive for students and staff. As you may know, the district’s sinking fund has been fully utilized as intended. With those funds now expended, future maintenance and improvements will be supported through the district’s general fund.

Over the past year, the district has exercised careful due diligence in spending $932,274.18 from the remaining sinking fund dollars. These funds were used for important projects, including replacing OP windows, updating select doors, refurbishing the track, and replacing and upgrading the high school’s fire alarm system, among other essential facility needs.

The district is now exploring options for future funding initiatives, and your input is important. To help you understand the choices:

A bond is paid back over time through property taxes. This is a loan the school district takes out to fund major projects. The district must repay the borrowed amount plus interest, usually 15 years or more. When a district uses a bond, each project must be clearly identified in advance, and the funds can only be used for those specific projects. This ensures transparency and accountability, so taxpayers know exactly how their money is being spent and that it cannot be diverted to other purposes. Furthermore, it is expected that at least 85% of bond proceeds are spent within three years and that all is spent within four years.
A sinking fund millage is a voter‐approved property tax levy in school districts, levied for up to 3 mills for a period of up to 10 years, used to pay “pay‐as‐you‐go” capital costs. It allows districts to raise funds directly without borrowing money or paying interest, and the funds must be kept in a separate account and audited annually to ensure they are used only for the purposes approved by voters. Sinking fund revenues may be used to construct, repair, or remodel school buildings and sites, improve school security, update or acquire technology, and purchase or maintain vehicles such as buses. However, sinking funds cannot be spent on salaries, regular maintenance, instructional costs, or other operating expenses.

The district will use your feedback to make informed decisions about future bonds or sinking fund proposals, the projects they fund, and the investment levels that best serve our schools and community. We appreciate your time and input on this important survey. Thank you!

1.Did you support the August 2024 Sinking Fund Proposal?(Required.)

Yes

I didn't vote

Prefer not to answer

3.As promised to the Almont taxpayers, the sinking fund has been depleted. If the district proposed a new funding initiative, which option would you most likely support in November 2026?(Required.)

A smaller bond with a reduced project scope
This option focuses on the most urgent needs first. For example, it might cover select roof repairs, updating boiler systems, upgrading plumbing, or replacing some classroom furniture. It keeps costs lower while still addressing critical issues.

A larger bond that addresses all identified needs
This option would fund all major facility projects identified by the district. Examples might include building renovations, upgraded athletic facilities, and technology upgrades for every classroom. It's a bigger investment, but it addresses most facility needs at once.

A sinking fund
Instead of funding all projects at once, a sinking fund provides a steady source of money to improve or repair buildings and sites, improve school security, update or acquire technology, and purchase or maintain student transportation vehicles.

None of the above
This option indicates you do not support any of the proposed funding options at this time.

4.If a bond proposal is placed on a future ballot, would you support up to a $15.1M bond for up to 15 years with a no mill/tax increase (from the 2026 tax levy)? Example bond projects may include replacing select roofing and pavement, upgrading energy and plumbing throughout the district, and updating select flooring, classrooms, restrooms, and athletic fields.(Required.)

Yes

I need additional information

5.If a sinking fund proposal is placed on a future ballot, what level of support would you consider? Please Note: Mills represent the tax rate, with one mill equaling $1 in tax for every $1,000 of taxable value. For example, if a home has a taxable value of $100,000 and the tax rate is 2 mills, the homeowner would pay $200 in taxes per year ($100,000 ÷ $1,000 × 2).(Required.)

1 mill ($1 per $1000 of taxable value)

2 mills ($2 per $1000 of taxable value)

3 mills ($3 per $1000 of taxable value)

None of the above

6.What do you believe are the most critical facility needs for Almont Community Schools? Check all that apply.(Required.)

7.How much information would you need before supporting a future bond or sinking fund?(Required.)

A lot more details, especially on priority projects

Some additional information about tax impact and funding use

I feel informed, but I need reassurances on spending oversight

I have enough information to make a decision

8.Would you be willing to attend an informational session about a revised funding proposal?(Required.)

Yes, in person

Yes, virtually

No, but I would review the materials provided

No, I am not interested

9.How would you prefer to receive updates about school facility needs and funding proposals?(Required.)

10.Do you have a personal connection to Almont Community Schools? Check all that apply.(Required.)

Currently, I have children attending

Currently, I have grandchildren or other relatives attending

Currently, I work or volunteer in the schools

I do not have a direct connection, but I support the schools

I do not have any connection to the schools

11.If a bond or sinking fund proposal does not pass, what concerns do you have about the future of Almont Community Schools?(Required.)

Increased Maintenance Issues & Costly Repairs

Declining Property Values due to Aging Facilities

Negative Impact on Student Learning & Safety

All of the Above

I do not have concerns

12.Involvement builds ownership. Would you be willing to serve on a future bond or sinking fund committee to ensure your voice and suggestions are heard?(Required.)

Yes

Maybe