UNION CITY, MI (WTVB) – Three weeks from today voters in Union City will head to the polls to decide a bond issue for Union City Community Schools.
They are asking voters to approve a $19.11 million, 30-year bond proposal on the August 5, 2025 ballot, aimed at transforming the district’s facilities with a total project cost of $42.8 million.
Enabled by a $23.6 million state grant for consolidating three buildings into two and a significant boost in taxable value from the DTE Sauk Solar Farm, the bond will fund extensive upgrades, including new classrooms, science labs, a media center, a cafeteria, and air conditioning throughout the schools. Pictured below is an artist rendering of the proposed new student lounge.
Superintendent Chris Katz emphasized that the plan, which involves closing the 1970s middle school and expanding the high school for grades six to twelve, will modernize facilities while keeping the tax increase below one mill, equating to roughly $58 annually or less than $5 monthly for taxpayers.
The bond proposal promises a “complete facelift” for Union City’s schools, addressing critical safety and code compliance issues while enhancing educational environments with new furniture, equipment, and LED lighting at the football stadium.
By reducing the district’s sinking fund by 1.75 mills upon passage of the 2.29-mill bond, the net tax impact remains minimal.
Katz noted that the increased tax base, now at $330 million due to the solar farm, allows for these ambitious improvements without the previously estimated seven-mill burden. Community support is crucial, as the district aims to leverage the state grant to create modern, safe, and efficient learning spaces for students.
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