UNION CITY, MI (WTVB – We are just one day away from Union City voters going to the polls to decide a bond issue for Union City Community Schools.
School officials have spent the past week making a final push for a $19.11 million, 30-year bond issue aimed at transforming their aging facilities.
The district, which hasn’t passed a bond since 1972, is leveraging a $23.6 million state grant and increased taxable value from the DTE Sauk Solar Farm to fund $42.8 million in improvements. Superintendent Chris Katz says they have relied on sinking funds in the past for minor improvements, but a change in state law significantly reduced the amount of those sinking funds.
The bond, which will result in a net tax increase of less than one mill, about $58 annually or $5 monthly for taxpayers, will modernize the elementary and high schools, addressing critical safety, accessibility, and educational needs.
Katz has emphasized that the plan, which includes closing the 1970’s middle school and consolidating grades, will provide a complete facelift for the district, enhancing learning environments with new classrooms, science labs, a cafeteria, and air conditioning.
Community engagement has been a cornerstone of the campaign, with Union City Schools hosting forums, including a recent question-and-answer session last week to address voter concerns and highlight the bond’s benefits.
The proposal promises upgrades like secure entrances, an expanded cafeteria, and accessibility improvements, such as wider classroom doors for wheelchairs, alongside new athletic facilities and LED stadium lighting.
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