The Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees is attempting to clear the air about its millage renewals on the November 4 ballot, with Board Chair Joan Smith issuing a detailed statement Tuesday addressing what she described as “misleading and incomplete claims” about the proposals.
The college is seeking a 20-year renewal of the 0.665-mill operating levy that has remained unchanged for about 50 years and provides nearly 20% of the college’s budget. They are also asking voters to renew a capital millage first approved in 2016 at a reduced rate, cutting it from 0.48 mills to 0.24 mills through 2036.
The full LMC Board statement can be viewed by clicking here.
The Board said both measures are renewals, not new taxes. According to the statement, rejecting the proposals would save the owner of a $250,000 home about $143 a year but require LMC to cut approximately 20% of its programs and services.
“As Chair of the Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees, I want voters to have clear, factual information about the College and the College’s millage renewal proposals on the November 4 ballot. Unfortunately, as with many public institutions, misinformation about the College sometimes spreads quickly. I want to address those misleading and incomplete claims,” Smith wrote.
Smith cited increasing enrollment over the past three years and said the college remains a key economic driver for Southwest Michigan. LMC estimates its operations and alumni contribute $371 million annually to the regional economy.
The Board also addressed specific community questions regarding enrollment trends, student housing, the sale of the former Niles Campus, and comparisons with Southwestern Michigan College. Trustees emphasized that LMC serves more students, offers more academic programs, and charges lower tuition while receiving less state funding than its regional counterpart.
“Lake Michigan College has served this community since 1946, providing accessible, high-quality education and workforce training for generations. Today, LMC remains one of the most important economic and educational anchors in Southwest Michigan,” said Smith.
The statement noted that LMC holds an AA+ bond rating, maintains audited financial reserves for operations and capital needs, and continues to expand workforce training programs in fields such as healthcare, public safety, and manufacturing.
Smith said the millage renewals are essential to maintaining an affordable educational pathway for local residents and supporting employers struggling to fill skilled positions.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.