Inside 208

This morning (Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014) the Senate introduced a ten bill package that represents months of negotiations on personal property tax (PPT) reform. The Michigan Municipal League’s message on PPT has consistently been 100 percent, guaranteed replacement. The bills do represent 100 percent replacement and a more stable reimbursement [...]

This morning the House General Government Subcommittee heard testimony on the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget recommendations for the Department of Treasury including the Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP). The first hour of the committee consisted of testimony from the Department regarding their programs and specific recommendations. The committee then [...]

As the Michigan Legislature has considered eliminating personal property tax (PPT), the Michigan Municipal League’s message has been clear and consistent – 100% reimbursement of personal property tax revenue and a stable reimbursement mechanism that includes more than an appropriation. In new legislation expected to be introduced in the Senate [...]

For years the League has been working on a tax reduction loophole that was created due to the 2002 Michigan Supreme Court case of WPW Acquisition Company v. City of Troy. After Proposal A created the term taxable value, the Legislature passed legislation that allowed for an increase and decrease [...]

Earlier this week the House Oversight Committee heard testimony on House Bills 5193 and 5194, bills that amend the Open Meetings Act (OMA) as well as general testimony on changes to the OMA. House Bill 5193 prohibits a local unit from going into closed session in connection with anticipated litigation. [...]

Yesterday the House Tax Policy Committee reported House Bills 5265, 5266 and 5267, bills that would reduce the state income tax. House Bills 5265-6 would reduce the income tax from 4.25 percent to 4.05 percent. House Bill 5267 would allow additional reductions of 0.1 percent if general fund revenue increased [...]

HB 4487, a bill to allow Downtown Development Authority funds to be used for creating and operating a marketing program for local agricultural (think local farmer’s markets), passed out of the full House of Representatives yesterday.  The DDA act does not currently prohibit this type of activity but the sponsor (Rep. [...]

This week the House Local Government Committee heard testimony on House Bill 5160, a bill that would allow a local unit of government the option of contracting with the county treasurer to administer tax collection. The bill allows an agreement to let the county collect taxes, and the agreement would [...]

This morning the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 428, a bill dealing with the purchase of U.S. flags by local units of government. The bill passed by the House requires a local unit of government to purchase flags made in the United States if [...]

Yesterday the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee unanimously reported House Bill 4939, a bill that would allow a department head to serve as a city manager. The legislation was prompted by a community in Rep. Knezek’s (D-Garden City) district where the police chief is serving as interim city manager. [...]