LMC SEEKING MILLAGE RENEWAL AND TAX CUT ON NOVEMBER BALLOT

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – The Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees, with two millages expiring in 2026 has decided to place a millage renewal and a tax cut proposal on the November 4, 2025 ballot.

The first proposal is a renewal of the College’s operational millage of 0.665 mills that provides nearly 20% of overall funding.  LMC is seeking a 20 year renewal of the levy that passed in 2006.  The renewal freezes the tax rate at that level or lower until 2046. 

“Both of these are critical funding pieces for the College moving forward.  The funding mix for LMC is 51 percent property taxes, 27% percent from tuition, 15% from state appropriations, and 7 percent from private sources.  That allows us to keep tuition costs at one-third of a four-year school and the lowest in the region,”  explained LMC President Dr. Trevor Kubatzke. 

The College is proposing a tax cut for a capital millage that was first voted on in 2016.  Ballot language was approved to renew and reduce the tax rate by 50 percent.  Instead of the current 0.48 mills, that millage would be reduced to 0.24 mills and expire in 2036.  “Lake Michigan College has a reputation for being good stewards of public money.  We understand that in times of economic uncertainty in some areas, that we should tighten our belts, live within our means, and provide the most value we can for taxpayers while making sure the College meets its capital needs.  Some of that work includes renovations to the 35-year old Mendel Center, safety and security measures, housing for students, and to update equipment,” Kubatzke said.

LMC Board Chairwoman Joan Smith said the College is growing, adding new programs to meet workforce and community needs, and having an even greater impact in the community.  “Enrollment this summer is up 20 percent after a 10 percent increase in the Fall, and projections are ahead of that for next Fall,” Smith said.  Programs like the LMC Police Academy, truck driving school, Marine Technician, agriculture and agribusiness, data science, and aviation were announced in recent weeks.  A Physical Therapy Assistant program will launch at the South Haven campus in 2027. 

“For Southwest Michigan to be competitive, we have to continue to provide innovative programs that will build a talented workforce.  Successful communities attract ,nurture, and retain an educated workforce.  If we are to reverse population loss, it is incumbent to have training, retraining, and education that leads to higher incomes, successful businesses, and a better quality of life,” Kubatzke noted.  “That is our mission everyday,” he added.

In 2024, the financial firm Smart Asset named Lake Michigan College the number 1 community college in Michigan, and in the top 30 in the country.  The study cited LMC’s affordability, low student to instructor ratio, and retention rate. 

LMC has also been a leader in apprenticeship training for decades, and last year launched Michigan’s only county-wide youth apprenticeship program.  The Berrien Talent Collaborative, in partnership with the Berrien RESA, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce is designed to help the 70% of high school graduates who don’t receive a four-year degree. 

About Lake Michigan College

Lake Michigan College is a two-year, accredited, nonprofit community college with a main campus in Benton Harbor and satellite campuses in Niles and South Haven Michigan. 

Established in 1946 as Benton Harbor Junior College, LMC is the region’s leader in higher education, offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in more than 80 fields of study, including business, health sciences, manufacturing, wine and viticulture, culinary, and more.  

LMC serves as a cultural center, a regional economic partner, and a leader in diversity and innovation. It features the largest performing arts center in the region, intercollegiate athletics, on-campus housing, and a wealth of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations to create an authentic college experience close to home. For more information, visit lakemichigancollege.edu.