UNION CITY, MI (WTVB) – Union City Community School district voters approved a $19.11 million, 30-year bond issue aimed at transforming their aging facilitiesp Tuesday.
According to the unofficial results posted late Tuesday night on the Branch County Clerk’s office web site, the proposal passed 422 to 269. When votes outside of Branch County were totaled up, the final tally was 584 to 423.
Union Township voters said yes 331 to 204 while the proposal passed in the Sherwood Township 90 to 64. The two persons who voted in Matteson Township split their vote.
District voters had not passed a bond since 1972. They are 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 promised 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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