On Aug. 5, Dickinson County voters will be asked to approve another 20-year millage for Bay College. In other words, they are asking for millions more dollars from property owners in Dickinson County. While supporting education is important, it’s fair to ask some thoughtful questions before we commit to two more decades of property taxes.

Bay College was generously welcomed into our community 20 years ago with donated land and public funding to build their local campus. In 2005, voters in Dickinson County approved a 20-year millage. That original investment was significant — and it came with the understanding that it was to help them get established, a one-shot deal to help them build the Bay West campus in our county. Now, 20 years and millions of tax dollars later, they’re back asking for more long-term funding, even though they are based in Delta County and Dickinson County students still don’t receive the same tuition discount as Delta County residents.

Bay College receives funding from a variety of sources — state aid, tuition, federal grants, and private donations. They don’t need our property tax money. Continued reliance on Dickinson County taxpayers isn’t necessary or equitable.

Before voting, I hope our community considers whether this renewed millage is truly in our best interest. When I get my ballot in the mail, I’ll be voting NO on the Bay College millage request — not out of opposition to education, but in support of fairness and responsible funding.