Michigan School District Asks Taxpayers to Pay for $9 Million Atheltic Dome Complex

Parents are speaking out against the proposal. Superintendent says it's affordable.

AUGRES, Mich. — A $9 million bond proposal in the small Au Gres-Sims School District has sparked both hope and concern ahead of a vote scheduled for August 5. The proposal would fund major building repairs and the construction of a 130,000-square-foot athletic and community dome.

According to the district, the bond would address “critical infrastructure needs” including roof replacements, heating and ventilation upgrades, lighting improvements, and enhanced safety for students and spectators. A portion of the funds would also be used to build a year-round air-supported dome featuring turf fields, hardcourts, a walking track, weight equipment, classrooms, and community gathering spaces.

I rely on paid subscribers to keep doing my independent journalism. If you are not yet a paid subscriber and can do so, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. $6 a month, you can leave when you want. Help me to Keep it Real.

Superintendent Chris Ming said the plan is a continuation of work started with a 2018 bond, parts of which were delayed due to rising costs. “We can meet all of our needs and pursue this dome by renewing expiring bonds and with a small 1-mill increase,” Ming stated in a video on the district’s website. For the average homeowner with a taxable value of $100,000, that translates to roughly $9 per month.

But not everyone is convinced.

Rachel Marcum and Tom Nixon, both parents in the district, say the project lacks transparency and has not been clearly explained to the community. They support repairs to school infrastructure, but say the dome raises too many unanswered questions.

“If this thing passes, sure, my kids might use it,” Nixon said. “But is this really a priority? When I first heard about it, I thought it was just ice cream and unicorns. Then suddenly, we’re voting on it.”

The district says information has been available online, in public meetings, and through one-on-one conversations with administrators. However, Nixon and Marcum argue that’s not enough.

“We want to see it in writing. Real numbers. Not just ideas and dreams,” Marcum said. “They’ve already bought property for this before the public even voted.”

In December 2023, the district purchased a parcel of land near Northland Credit Union for $10,000. District officials said it was necessary to secure land before developing plans. Critics question why the purchase was made before public input.

Concerns also extend to cost distribution. The tax burden would vary, depending on property values. “Some local farmers could pay hundreds more per year,” Nixon said. “And over 60% of the tax base doesn’t even get a vote because they live outside district boundaries.”

Marcum and Nixon said they attempted to raise questions at a public meeting, but the opportunity was limited. “After a few people asked questions, the mic was shut off,” Nixon said. “That’s not transparency.”

Despite opposition, many in the community support the proposal, seeing it as a long-term investment in student and community well-being. The district maintains that the facility would attract outside athletic events, generate revenue, and provide resources currently unavailable in the region.

Voting will take place at township polling locations. Marcum and Nixon encouraged residents to read the bond language carefully and educate themselves before casting a ballot.

“This will affect our community for the next 20 years,” Nixon said. “People deserve to know exactly what they’re voting on.”

Tools