Lt. Gov. Brian Calley coming to Washtenaw County to address new tax proposal

Ouimet has invited Lt. Gov. Brian Calley as a special guest to discuss the proposal that could reduce or totally eliminate portions of the personal property tax. Calley recently testified before a Senate committee in support of the proposal.

"The Legislature's top priority is to improve Michigan's economy, so we have a duty to consider any proposal that would potentially create more jobs," Ouimet said in a statement. "I look forward to an informative night.”

The town hall event takes place at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, 1819 S. Wagner Road, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The meeting is open to the public. Attendees will be able to ask Calley questions about the proposal.

Michigan's personal property tax is a tax that businesses pay on items such as machinery, furniture and other equipment. Since some neighboring states don't levy a similar tax, some believe the tax puts Michigan at a disadvantage for retaining and attracting jobs.

Bills that would phase out portions of the tax were introduced last Tuesday. The bills would phase out the industrial equipment taxes over a 10-year period and would replace about 81 percent of the lost revenue through expiring tax credits.

In Washtenaw County alone, local governments and schools stand to lose about $43 million if the personal property tax is eliminated without providing replacement revenue.