Inside 208

On Wednesday September 12, the Senate Local Government and Elections committee took testimony on SB 1220. This bill would amend the governmental immunity law to revise procedures for the resolution of claims regarding sewage disposal system overflows or backups. In doing so the bill as introduced would eliminate the option...

The House Local Government Committee today took testimony on HB 4819 (Ananich). This bill deals with foreclosed properties that are sold at auction, and attempts to address the problem associated with the so-called scavenger auction. According to state law, there must be at least two auctions by the county. The...

Most are now aware that there will be six proposals on the November ballot, one more controversial than the other.  But none is probably quite as dangerous to Michigan’s economic recovery than Proposal 5. This particular proposal would set in the constitution a requirement that a legislative vote on any...

This morning the House Tax Policy Committee passed HB 5806, a bill that would require the Department of Treasury to include information on the state tax form to aid in collecting city income taxes. The bill requires a state income tax form to request certain information from the taxpayer including...

Yesterday the House Energy & Technology committee passed HB 5727, a bill that allows the state to enter into energy performance contracts to reduce energy costs. As introduced the legislation placed a mandate on local units of government to enter into energy performance contracts; however, the bill was substituted to...

Leveraging Best Practices is the theme for the 2012 Transportation Asset Management Conference. It will be held on October 24 at Upfront & Company in Marquette Michigan. For more information please view the attached flyer. Fall Asset Management Conference Brochure WEB.pdf (1.03 mb) Jason Mancini works for the Michigan Municipal...

Next week, on September 10, Congress returns for a short 8 day session. During this time they are expected to focus on enacting a bipartisan spending agreement, also known as a continuing resolution (CR), in order to avoid a government shutdown as the federal budget begins October 1st—leaving other significant...

The Michigan Supreme Court has ordered 3 of the 4 outstanding ballot proposals on the November election. This includes the 2/3 legislative vote for tax changes, collective bargaining rights and a public vote for new international bridges. The only remaining proposal the court rejected was the one that would have...

Complying with the Affordable Care Act: A Guide for Cities and TownsNoon to 1:00 p.m. EDT NLC and the law firm DLA Piper will provide cities and towns with general information about how to comply with the Affordable Care Act, as well as tips on how to communicate with constituents...

In the month of August, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) held public meetings seeking comment on their 2035 MI Transportation Plan. As part of the process to help develop the 2035 MI Transportation Plan, the Transportation for Michigan (Trans4M) coalition is calling on MDOT to improve their long term transportation plan....