IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Voters across Dickinson County will head to the polls tomorrow to decide whether to renew the property tax millage that helps fund the Bay College, Iron Mountain campus.
“The purpose of the millage is that it would allow Bay to continue with the services and the programs that they’re currently offering here, and also it allows us to offer a slightly lower tuition rate for Dickinson County residents,” said Bay College West Executive Director, Jason Sullivan.
This proposal isn’t a new tax. It’s a renewal of the existing levy that was originally approved in 2005 and has funded the Iron Mountain campus ever since. The cost of the renewal will remain at $1 per $1,000 of a property’s assessed value.
“It’s really important here. We’re watching people who can get a degree from here in Dickinson County and stay in Dickinson County and be employed here,” explained Sullivan.
Nearly 81% of students hail from Dickinson County, and the campus contributes an estimated $1.9 million annually to the local economy, in addition to the millions more from alumni who work locally.
“These people that you’re retaining are then going to be spending money back in the community, whether it’s groceries, rent, or a mortgage payment, or whatever it might be,” said Sullivan.
If the millage renewal does not pass, Bay College will likely have to raise tuition and cut back on certain classes.
“If the renewal were not to pass, then Bay College would have to reassess the programs and services that are offered here in Iron Mountain, and also reassess the tuition rate as well,” added Sullivan.
