Farmington Public Schools (FPS) stands to gain roughly $7.1 million a year in new funding if Oakland County voters approve the 1.5-mill Regional Enhancement Millage on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Polls are open until 8 p.m.

The six-year property tax would send an estimated $781 per student annually to FPS based on roughly 9,100 enrolled students. Superintendent Kelly Coffin said the money would fund after-school tutoring, smaller class sizes, career and technical education, extracurricular activities, and teacher professional development focused on literacy.

For homeowners, the cost depends on taxable value. A home with a $100,000 taxable value (roughly $200,000 market value) would pay about $150 a year. A home assessed at $200,000, closer to the county average, would pay about $300 annually.

What supporters say

Coffin told C&G Newspapers on July 29 that the funds "would help Farmington Public Schools continue investing in people, programs and supports that have the greatest impact on student success."

Oakland County is one of the few large Michigan counties without an enhancement millage. Wayne, Macomb, and Kent counties already have one. Countywide, the proposal would raise an estimated $125.7 million over six years, according to the official ballot language. Oakland Intermediate School District would collect the tax and distribute every dollar to local districts on a per-pupil basis, keeping none.

What opponents say

The Oakland County Republican Party has called the proposal a "$131 million tax grab." Party Finance Chair Brian Szmytke argued that higher per-pupil spending does not guarantee better outcomes, as we reported July 22.

Madison District Public Schools trustee Mark Kimble, a vocal opponent, told C&G Newspapers on July 24: "This proposal is completely unnecessary. Period. Sure, districts aren't flush with cash right now, but neither are residents. So why should the burden be shifted to them?"

Oakland County Commissioner Bob Hoffman urged a no vote, arguing the average homeowner would pay closer to $300 a year because the county's average home value exceeds $400,000.

Where to vote

Farmington Hills voters cast ballots at 23 precincts, including Farmington STEAM Academy on Twelve Mile Road, Kenbrook Elementary on Bonnet Hill Road, and William Costick Activities Center on Eleven Mile Road. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The millage is nonpartisan and appears separately from party primary races. All registered voters can weigh in regardless of which primary ballot they choose.

Voters unsure of their precinct can check the Michigan Voter Information Center at mvic.sos.state.mi.us or call City Clerk Carly Lindahl's office at (248) 871-2410.

What happens next

Results will be tallied after polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday. If approved, the charge would first appear on winter 2026 tax bills in December. If the millage fails, Farmington Public Schools would continue operating on its current $162 million annual budget without the additional per-pupil dollars.