Dear Neighbors,
Tomorrow, November 4, you have a critical choice: whether to burden our families, seniors, and businesses with another $110 million in long-term debt through the Byron Center Public Schools bond renewal.
This is NOT a free upgrade.
This is a 30-year mortgage on YOUR property taxes.
Here’s what they’re not telling you:
### You Pay the Full $110 Million – Plus Interest
- Every homeowner, renter (through higher rent), and local business will fund this bond via property taxes.
- Even if the district claims “no tax increase,” the debt millage is extended for decades, preventing tax relief and locking us into payments.
- Total cost with interest? Likely $150+ million – all coming from your pocket.
### The Hidden Downsides
1. Ties Up Our Future
- Byron Center already has over $146 million of bonds and over $18 million in loans outstanding. This proposal piles on more debt, limiting our ability to fix roads, fund police/fire, or weather economic downturns.
2. Growth Isn’t Guaranteed
- Keeping in mind Byron Township has a population of 28,000 people, now do the math. The debt of $146 million with another $18 million in outstanding loans is an egregious amount of spending on the backs of Byron Township residents. The “no tax hike” promise depends on endless population growth. If enrollment slows (as seen statewide), future tax increases are inevitable.
3. Priorities Are Backwards
- This bond cannot pay teachers, reduce class sizes, or improve security.
- It funds stadiums, arts wings, and HVAC – nice, but not essential when core education needs go unmet.
4. Our Kids Pay Later
- Your children will still be paying this off in 2050. Is that fair?
### There Are Smarter Alternatives
- Phased upgrades using grants and energy rebates
- Community fundraising for high-priority projects
- Selling municipal bonds to fund the project, the way it used to be done, instead of tax bonds
Byron Center schools are strong because of our students, teachers, and parents – not because of endless borrowing.
### Vote NO Tomorrow – Send a Message
We support our schools, but we demand fiscal responsibility.
Polls open 7 AM – 8 PM
Find your precinct: michigan.gov/vote
Please share this with your neighbors, family, and friends.
Together, we can protect our township’s future.
VOTE NO ON THE $110 MILLION BOND
Sincerely,
Donna Brandenburg
Byron Township Resident & Taxpayer, one of the volunteers of Byron Center Speaks
616-430-4410
Click any of the links above to learn more about how we can help you.
