NCMC Operational Millage
Thank you, Emmet County voters!
North Central Michigan College extends its heartfelt gratitude to the residents of Emmet County for their support of the college’s operating millage proposal.
Your support is more than a vote of confidence in North Central Michigan College. It is an investment in our students, our community, and the future of Northern Michigan.
For more than 65 years, North Central has been committed to providing exceptional, accessible, relevant educational opportunities and workforce training that transforms lives and strengthens our region.
On behalf of North Central Michigan College, I want to express our sincere appreciation to the residents of Emmet County for their continued trust and support. Your vote affirms the important role North Central plays in opening doors to opportunity, preparing our region’s workforce, and strengthening the communities we serve.
We are deeply grateful for this investment in our students and our shared future. We understand the responsibility that comes with your support, and we remain committed to making every dollar count. Together, North Central and the people of Emmet County have built something remarkable. Thank you for helping us carry that legacy forward.
We recognize the trust voters have placed in us, and we take seriously our responsibility to be good stewards of that investment.
Thank you, Emmet County, for believing in the power of education and the promise of what we can accomplish together.
Our college. Our community. Our future.
—David Roland Finley, Ph.D.
President
ELECTION DAY - NOVEMBER 3, 2026
Learn about North Central Michigan College and the Operational Millage Renewal and Restoration that appeared on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
North Central Michigan College plays a key role in education, workforce development, and community enrichment in our community. The November 2026 operational millage is designed to help the college maintain current programs, services, and access to education.
Why now?
Every 10 years NCMC's property tax revenue must be approved by Emmet County voters. The last time this appeared on ballots was in 2016.
On the November 2026 ballot, North Central will ask Emmet County voters to approve a millage renewal & restoration of property tax revenue back to what was approved in 2016 to maintain current college services.
ELECTION DAY: Nov. 3, 2026
ABSENTEE BALLOTS AVAILABLE: Sept. 24, 2026
EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING: Oct. 24, 2026
What does this mean to the College?
This support is critical to maintain current college operations. NCMC’s 2025–26 operating budget is $21.4 million. Operating revenue comes from a combination of Emmet County voted operational millage, charter levy, state appropriations, tuition and fees, and other sources. These components work together to keep the college running day-to-day.
Emmet County property taxes, in the form of an Operational Millage that supports college operations, account for approximately 20% of the College's operating budget. The millage ensures that:
- The college can maintain current programs, facilities, and access to education for our region
- Your dollar stays local and supports students, employers, and the regional economy
- Funds are transparently managed with annual public reporting
State contributions have not kept pace with inflation.
(Click on the chart to enlarge)
| Funding Source | Percent | |
|---|---|---|
| Voted Operational Millage | 20% | |
| Charter Levy | 19% | |
| Tuition & Fees | 31% | |
| State Appropriations | 24% | |
| Other | 6% |
For millage inquiries please contact Carol Laenen, VP for Strategy & Special Projects, at claenen@ncmich.edu.
What your support could mean
- If you choose to support North Central’s current operations
- If the millage passes
- If your home value is $200,000
You will be paying no more than ($8.05) roughly the equivalent of
2 cups of coffee per year
for the millage restoration
to fully support your community’s college.
What is the impact on taxpayers?
A home with a taxable value of $100,000 will pay $193.16 this year.
If the millage passes, this same homeowner will pay no more than an additional $8.05 per year ($0.67/month)
What if my home has a higher taxable value?
The chart below depicts what you would be paying if your home's taxable value is $225,000. A $225,000 taxable value means your home value is approximately double this amount — or $450,000 (which is the median home value in Emmet County).
NCMC's Economic Impact to the Region
This community would not be the same place without North Central Michigan College.
Learn about the College's economic impact and return on investment of education.
NCMC Facts
Student-Centered and Community-Focused
Read about the College's recognitions, student profile, program offerings, sources of funding, and more.
2026 Millage FAQs
Supporting informed decision-making
Questions and answers found here are designed to help community members, students, taxpayers, and local employers better understand what the proposal would do, how it would be funded, and what it means for our region.
Keeping College Within Reach
In-district tuition rate is an important value for local Emmet County families
One of NCMC’s core commitments is keeping college within reach for our students. Learn how much North Central saves our Emmet County students, how much our students transferring to a 4-year institution save, and how much in financial aid and scholarships NCMC awards.
Community Connections
NCMC isn’t only classrooms
We work with employers and community partners through advisory boards, training and professional development, career services and job fairs, youth success programs, and lifelong learning opportunities. We also collaborate on major regional needs like childcare, healthcare, and housing.
Major Initiatives
Meeting Community Needs
Current major initiatives are meeting regional workforce needs including enhancing health sciences, expanding manufacturing trades and construction trades. Also the launch of the Dental Hygiene program to address regional talent shortages and the Childcare Initiative/Early Learning Center to reduce childcare barriers.