👀Early Voting Begins Tomorrow - What Voters Need to Know About the Millage Referendum Renewal

In 2018, Martin County voters approved a millage rate referendum that is now set to expire. Once that happens, the Martin County School District (MCSD) will see a reduction in revenue of approximately $47 million over the next four years unless voters approve a renewal of the referendum.

On Election Day, voters will be asked to consider renewing this property tax referendum that has been used for the past four years to fund millions in critical operational needs throughout MCSD.

Early voting begins tomorrow, August 13, and runs through August 20. Election Day is August 23.

Here's what you need to know.

WPBF: MCSD's First Day of School - August 10, 2022

WPBF - Classes are back in session in the Martin County School District.

Having classrooms full of students means the District must have enough qualified teachers to educate them.

Last month, the Martin County School Board approved the year-one funding allocations that would take effect if the millage referendum renewal is approved by voters.

On Wednesday, Superintendent John D. Millay emphasized how important that is.

"Everyone knows that throughout not just Florida, but the United States, there is a shortage of great qualified employees. Whether that is teachers, bus drivers or assistants. That investment in the millage by the community makes all the difference," Dr. Millay said.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local #597 and Martin County Education Association (MCEA) have endorsed the renewal of the millage referendum, citing the funds that will be allocated to each bargaining unit among the chief reasons for their recommendation.

If the renewal is approved by voters, the School Board has committed to allocating $9,660,300 to MCEA for teacher stipends and $2,339,900 to AFSCME for support personnel stipends in year one (view the complete funding worksheet). As was the case with the current millage that is set to expire, the bargaining units will determine how to distribute stipend funding to all AFSCME-eligible and MCEA-eligible employees. Stipends will continue to be completely pensionable with the Florida Retirement System.

The TCPalm Editorial Board has recommended that voters select "yes" to renewing the millage referendum on their ballots, writing in part:

In a perfect world, there would be a better way for Florida school districts to adequately fund their operations without seeking voter approval every four years.

Unfortunately, though, the state's formula for funding schools sets limits on how much districts can spend on their own without these types of referendums.

If approved by the voters, the bulk of the money raised through the millage levy would supplement compensation for teachers and school support staff members. Smaller amounts would fund school resource officers and mental health counseling programs.

Recruiting and retaining teachers is an issue in Martin County and elsewhere. School districts are using whatever methods they can, including millage referendums, to keep their classrooms staffed by qualified workers.

A "yes" vote is recommended to provide a short-term solution to address these issues.