Election results: Voters approve Hamilton bond, HAC millage, other school asks
The third time was the charm for Hamilton Community Schools on Tuesday. After two failed bond attempts, voters approved an HCS bond for school improvements during a special election.
Elsewhere, operating millage renewals for the Holland Aquatic Center, West Ottawa Public Schools and Zeeland Public Schools passed comfortably, as did ZPS’ sinking fund renewal.
A key land sale agreement for the Waterfront Holland initiative also passed.
More: Holland voters say 'yes' to land sale, clearing the way for landmark development
Hamilton’s 2.17 mill, $42 million bond will fund districtwide improvements. Voters approved the proposal with 1,614 “yes” votes and 1,541 “no” votes, according to unofficial results from Allegan County.
The largest project involves building a new wing at Hamilton Elementary and demolishing a wing of the school built in the 1950s.
There will also be boiler, roof, plumbing, electrical and security improvements at various district buildings. The bond includes new playground equipment at each of the four elementary buildings and a new dehumidification unit at the middle school pool.
In a statement posted to social media, Hamilton Superintendent Brad Lusk said the bond will help address “much-needed” improvements in the district.
“On behalf of all of us at Hamilton Community Schools, we would like to thank those in our community who voted in Tuesday’s election,” Lusk wrote. “This result will help our district get started on much-needed improvements addressing safety and security, facility infrastructure, and learning environments. Thank you for your support of our students and staff and as always, go Hawkeyes!”
“We are obviously very happy as a district. This gives us the opportunity to make those much-needed improvements,” Lusk told The Sentinel Thursday morning. “It’s an exciting opportunity for us to take these funds that the community has trusted us with and be good stewards of the finances and make sure this is done and done well.
“Seeing the vote come in in the district’s favor, it shows another level of support and trust for the district.”
He added that design and planning work has started and the district will be figuring out timelines for when construction will happen soon.
Hamilton last passed a bond in 2016. Since then, two attempts — in August 2020 and November 2021 — failed.
More: Hamilton Schools has the lowest debt millage in the region — and it's becoming a serious problem
Meanwhile, the operating millage for the Holland Aquatic Center, which is good for five years from 2024-2028, was approved by over 76 percent of voters, with 4,711 voting for and 1,479 voting against. With the millage renewed, the HAC will levy 1 mill to fund day-to-day operations.
West Ottawa’s operating millage was approved with 4,460 “yes” votes and 1,903 “no” votes, while Zeeland’s received 2,740 “yes” votes and 1,019 “no” votes. In both cases, the districts are now approved to levy their state-required 18 mills on non-homestead properties.
West Ottawa’s approval is for the 2023-24 school year, while Zeeland's is for 2024-25.
Zeeland’s sinking fund was renewed by a 2,252 to 1,497 margin. The 1 mill levy will run for another 10 years, beginning in 2024. The sinking fund helps the district address unexpected maintenance like boiler and HVAC replacement and parking lot repairs.
Zeeland sent a message to the district Wednesday morning thanking the community for its support.
“It is an honor to be part of a community so dedicated to our schools and our children's future,” ZPS Superintendent Brandi-Lyn Mendham wrote in the release. “Your unwavering commitment to education makes it possible to provide outstanding learning opportunities for students. On behalf of Zeeland Public Schools and all the people who make this system so phenomenal, thank you for your partnership and your support.”
West Ottawa also posted a message on social media to thank voters.
“Thank you to our outstanding community for supporting our students, staff, and district,” it wrote.
All precincts have been reported - the 2023 Non-Homestead Operating Millage Renewal has passed.
Thank you to our outstanding community for supporting our students, staff, and district!#GoWO#WeareOne pic.twitter.com/yodR1CsL67— West Ottawa Public Schools (@WOPublicSchools) May 3, 2023
In northern Ottawa County, school proposals had mixed results.
Grand Haven Area Public Schools’ $155 million bond proposal was voted down by 475 votes. It would have funded a new middle school building, a multi-use training facility and district-wide improvements. The district’s operating millage passed with 65.3 percent support.
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In Spring Lake, voters approved a $49.8 million bond that will provide additional classrooms and a secure entry at the high school, new athletics facilities and various other renovations. The proposal passed with 1,918 “yes” votes and 1,255 “no” votes.
Voters in Grand Haven Township approved a bond effort to construct a new fire rescue facility. It was approved by a 2,673-2,153 margin.
To the east, Hudsonville’s operating millage and sinking fund renewals passed with 60.6 and 54.8 percent support, respectively.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @SentinelMitch.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Voters approve Hamilton bond, HAC millage, other school asks
