Pittsfield Township poised to ask residents for increase in public safety millage
Updated: The township Board of Trustees voted 4-0 on Wednesday to place the millage on the May ballot.
Pittsfield Township residents may be asked to decide May 3 whether they want to increase the township's current 1.0 mill public safety millage to 1.95 mills for the next 10 years.
The Pittsfield Township Board of Trustees is expected to vote on a resolution to put the 10-year millage request on the ballot at its 6:30 meeting tonight, Pittsfield Township supervisor Mandy Grewal said.
Mandy Grewal
If the new millage is approved, it would cost the owner of a home with a $200,000 market value and a $100,000 taxable value $195 per year.
Grewal cited declines in revenues as the reason for the tax increase.
Without the millage, the township would have to make cuts to public safety services, Grewal said today, though she could not provide specifics.
The Pittsfield Department of Public Safety has 39 sworn police officers, 24 full-time firefighters, and nine 911 dispatchers, according to a township press release.
"This millage is essential to continuing the progress we are making in setting the gold standard in public service for the people who rely on us when they call for help,” Pittsfield Township Department of Public Safety director Matt Harshberger said in the release.
“Pittsfield Township’s public safety — police, fire, and E-911 dispatch — personnel provide one of the best response times — under 6 minutes on average — at one of the lowest per capita costs in Washtenaw County," Grewal said in the release. "In fact, the 1.95 mill rate will continue to be the lowest rate for combined police, fire and E-911 dispatch services in the county.”
Heather Lockwood is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at heatherlockwood@annarbor.com or follow her on Twitter.
Comments
DwightSchrute
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 6:50 p.m.
To Heather Lockwood: Please clarify the $195 cost per resident a year based on $200,000 value. It is, in fact, $100 currently and will cost $95 extra per year per resident of $200,000 value?
AACity12
Sun, Feb 20, 2011 : 2:09 a.m.
Well it's going to mean deep deep cuts in your safety services if you vote this thing down. You may not like some of the benefits of your officers but you can't expect the officers to pay for your services. You want them to take a pay cut so you can keep your level of service? The "Ypsi side" of Pittsfield is going to take over the "Ann Arbor side" very quickly.
voter
Sat, Feb 19, 2011 : 3:32 a.m.
It is not going to cost $195 more a year it is going to cost $95 dollars more a year since the increase is .95 above the current millage we are paying. For Basic Bob, why don't you check the union checkbook for the money they "pour" into the current elected officials pay. I think you will be surprise that no union money was spent. Also the golden pensions that they get are also paid partially by the the officers. If it is a job you could do feel free to put in an application, work midnights, holidays and miss your kids events. It is a choice that everyone makes and not one I would like to do.
Your Dada
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 6:19 p.m.
Huh, I see that this article has been amended, yet there is no note from the reporter or editor indicating such.
chubabuba
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 4:07 p.m.
Our county has 30 million in unpaid property tax, OF COURSE we are going to have a large increase for public service millages-until we can bring back people to the area. Vote no, but get your handgun and water hose ready. I will be voting yes, Police, Fire & Schools are not the places to cut.
John Q
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.
Grewal and Co. rode a wave of "vote the bums out" into office. Now it looks like the old bums might have been preferable to the new ones.
Huron74
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.
@Pits res The Sheriff may charge more over-all than a twp police force, but that is not an equal comparison: With a contract you know what your expenses will be. And all pay issues, benefits, personnel problems, and etc become the county's headache, not yours. If you get a crooked cop, or an incompetent one, or just want a poor performer gone, all the township needs to do is make a call. Try doing that with a unionized police force with its thick spider web of contract provisions. When the pensions and benefits come due, again it's the county's problem, not yours. Ditto with hiring, training, promotion decisions and to some extent lawsuits.
Pitts Res
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 6:04 p.m.
So. do you think the Sheriff's Dept isn't unionized too? Just realize the contract prices with the Sheriff's dept continue to rise and when you're talking about officers on the street, the more it costs, the less you get. We should stick with the police dept we currently have. I thought the main issue here was cost?
Stylery
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 1:18 p.m.
In spite of the obvious political comments made here the issue is really quite simple. Snyder is cutting township revenues by 33% today after at least 20% last few years. If folks don't want the police service that these revenues paid for then they can vote no. If they want there response time cut and the force to be half the size it is now, then the answer is simple. But if they want to maintain publci safety, then they can vote yes. It all comes down to the residents choice. SImple as that.
Gemini27200
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 12:53 p.m.
No one is doubting the population increase, decline in revenue, and incremental inflation. However nearly doubling the milleage? 95% increase to be exact. Not only that, a special election that Pittsfield has to pay for. The renewal is required in 2012, if the Administration is interested in fiscal responsibility - put it on an election already scheduled. What is Pittsfield hiding here? It seems a modest increase is in order. 95% is nothing more than a pay off to cronies and gold plated salaries and benefits. Wake Up Pittsfield! VOTE NO and ask your elected officials to come clean!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 1:05 p.m.
Check the inflation numbers. It does not double revenue now, and at the end of the millage it likely will generate less revenue, adjusted for inflation, than the original did in 2001. Now, if you just don't want to pay the tax, fine. But let's at least be honest about it. Because this will not result in a doubling of real revenue NOW, much less at the end of the millage. Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 12:47 p.m.
OK. Let interject some actual facts into this discussion. The existing millage was levied in 2002. The proposal will fund police and fire protection to 2021. Due to inflation, it takes $1.25 in revenue today to equal $1 raised in 2001. In other words, Pittsfield Police and Fire have been taking real cuts ever since the original millage was passed. At current rate of inflation (which likely is an underestimate. Economic recovery will mean a rise in inflation), that 2001 dollar will be worth less than fifty cents in 2021. Thus it will take 2 dollars in 2021 to equal 1 dollar in 2001. Moreover, due to the Headlee Amendment, the actual millage rate declines incrementally every year.. Moreover, property tax valuations have fallen drastically over the last few years. While Prop A caps the amount that the taxable valuation can increase, there is no limit on how much the taxable valuation can fall. The result is that many taxpayers are today paying property taxes at near 2001 levels. I know I am. Moreover, Pittsfield Township has seen substantial growth over the last decade and, when this recession ends, there is no reason not to expect that growth to continue. That growth will demand increased police and fire protetction. Given all of this, it does not seem beyond the pale that we residents of Pittsfield pay an additional 50 cents per day for some of the state's best police officers and fire personnel. I mean, gee, what else could I due with that 50 cents? Maybe make half a trip to the candy machine? Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 12:49 p.m.
One other thing. The vast majority of people reading this have seen substantial reductions in their Federal Income Tax over their last two years and, if they are property owners, have seen substantial decreases in their property taxes, as well. And since Michigan has a flat income tax, the only way they have seen an increase in their state tax bill is if their income has actually increased. So what we know is that those in this discussion and elsewhere who complain about higher taxes are either ignorant or are being disingenuous. There is no other possibility. Good Night and Good Luck
discgolfgeek
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 12:34 p.m.
I will vote and unless I see more justification for this highly inflationary increase, the answer will be NO.
stunhsif
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 2:43 a.m.
"This millage is essential to continuing the progress we are making" . What progress is that Matt Harshberger, bankrupting your township ? I am really sick and tired of all these public officials throughout Washtenaw County demanding more money from taxpayers with empty pockets. Live within your means folks, we all have had to do that for the past 5 years.
Omega Man
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 1:54 a.m.
i love our police and fire too - since someone just brought up facts - here's the real story from CalPers, the humongos state employee pensionn fund - actuarial real stuff. CalPers study `A 55 year old public safety employee can expect to live to the age of 81.4 (or 85 if a woman). average safety person retires at 55. So average safety person collects benefits for 26.4 years after retirement. The miscellaneous public employee who retires at their average of 59 years will live another 23 years (26.5 if they are female). bottom line here is that public safety employees get benefits for a longer period of time and at a higher rate than other employees.' tough stuff, so is this what pittsfield is voting on?
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 2:12 a.m.
Indeed. Work 'em to 65. I'm certain th 20-ish and 30-ish criminals will appreciate it. Good Night and Good Luck
snoopdog
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 12:59 a.m.
"This millage is essential to continuing the progress we are making in setting the gold standard in public service for the people who rely on us when they call for help," Pittsfield Township Department of Public Safety director Matt Harshberger said in the release." Yessiree Matt, you need the money to pay for your "gold standard" healthcare and pensions that allow an officer to retire at the age of 52 with a nice paycheck and fully paid healthcare for self and spouse till they die 40 years later. Vote No, don't be a chump ! Good Day
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 1:33 a.m.
Because the average retired cop lives to age 92. Which tells us the value of the other so-called "facts" in this post. Good Night and Good Luck
yourdad
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 12:21 a.m.
This is sadly another incomplete article for AA.com. Unfortunately, this could sway opinion with regards to the livelyhood of 60+ people and the public safety that comes from it. This week we have seen a partial article about an AAFD station closing, a fire chief resigning, and now a public safety millage. It seems to me that the "news" has no desire to do any actual research but would rather rely on the bloggers to find links for us. Good Luck PTFD/PD!!
Omega Man
Thu, Feb 17, 2011 : 12:33 a.m.
hey dont be too tough on the reporter. i just looked at the agenda for meeting. it is pretyy lame - it says {resolution supporting millage proposal} and then takes you to the last page that is just has a piece of paper that says - hey you gotta come to the meeting to find out what the millage is about.
Omega Man
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 11:12 p.m.
you asked where the numbers came from? went to the webste and then clikced on 2011 budget then cliked on page 13 and then added up the numbers that were salaries and fringes for police | fire - it was easy to copyinto excel for 3 years. i didn't count anything after fringes. it was kinda interesting how much professional services went up too {7800 to 150,000]. check it out.
Pitts Res
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 11:39 p.m.
Ok. I'm on the same page as you now. It looks like that is the part of the budget being paid for from non-General Fund revenues. More than likely, this is what the millage is paying for. Page 8 & 9 covers what is paid for by the General Fund.
Pitts Res
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 11:27 p.m.
Thanks, I will.
Basic Bob
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 11:10 p.m.
@Pitts Res, This is not secret insider information. Campaign finances and labor contracts are publicly reported. Do you have some reason to doubt the sincerity of those posting here?
Pitts Res
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 11:14 p.m.
Yes' I'm aware of that. The numbers I found don't match what is stated here. Check the link. <a href="http://www.pittsfieldtwp.org/Accounting_2010_Adopted_Budget.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://www.pittsfieldtwp.org/Accounting_2010_Adopted_Budget.pdf</a>
Huron74
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 11:01 p.m.
Pittsfielders: Go with Ypsi Township's strategy of hiring the Sheriff to handle your police service and contract out the fire too if you can. Going Ann Arbor's route have relying on high-priced, unionized, & a highly politicized police officer's union is a sure path to financial problems.
Pitts Res
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 11:05 p.m.
The Sheriiff"s department is way more expensive per deputy than we currently pay for our officers.
Pitts Res
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 10:54 p.m.
@ Omega Man, where did those numbers come from.
Omega Man
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 10:46 p.m.
Ignore last post - typing too fast cause I couldn't believe the numbers. Public needs more information about what this is going for - after 10 minutes of adding 2009 Actual Police | Fire Salaries/Fringes = $1.03 Million 2011 expected Police | Fire Salaries/Fringes = $2.88 Million Went up almost 3 times what 2009 was - Thanks for telling us, how about more details from the township? Please use Snyders' worksheets before asking for more taxes.
Omega Man
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 10:38 p.m.
Public needs more information about what this is going for - after 10 minutes of adding 2009 Actual Police | Fire Salaries/Fringes = $1.03 Million 2011 expected Police | Fire Salaries/Fringes = $2.88 Million 64% more in wages & benefits in 2 years. Thanks for telling us, how about more details from the township? Please use Snyders' worksheets before asking for more taxes.
frozenhotchocolate
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 10:22 p.m.
Great, now those places where a2 and pittsfield police overlap will have even more speed-traps.
Lola
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 9:39 p.m.
I'm a Pittsfield Township resident and will vote no as well. I live in the Ann Arbor portion of the township. I'm not going to pay for the high crime rate in the Ypsi portion. If those idiots would stop shooting each other we could probably get by with half the police protection we have now. It seems that 95% of the crime in the township happens in the eastern part of Pittsfield.
tdw
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 11:41 p.m.
You do realize that Pittsfeild is between Ypi Twp and Ann Arbor.And Pittsfeild doesn't go into Ypsi Twp
Basic Bob
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 9:10 p.m.
Mandy Grewal was elected with support from the police and fire unions. The police, in particular, had been at odds with the former administration over financial issues, and poured money into her successful campaign. Since then, the unions have gotten the contracts they wanted, a new public service director, computers in their cars. All this might be nice, but it costs money. Now Ms. Grewal needs to ask the taxpayers for a substantial millage increase to support her generosity. Financial responsibility is one of the platforms of her administration, but it is all pretense. For this reason, I will be voting NO.
Pitts Res
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 9:36 p.m.
Do you have proof of all this?
Your Dada
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 8:51 p.m.
This article leaves me with a lot of questions that aren't addressed in this article. Perhaps there will be a follow article with more complete information. Can we see a break down on the number of actual police officers and fire fighters are working the streets? When I visit the PIttsfield Website and lookup the number of police officers, I only count 36, not 39 Also, didn't the fire chief recently resign? Is he being counted as one of the 24 full time fighters? Also, can any explain to me what an enhanced 911 dispatcher is?
Buster W.
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 8:19 p.m.
"Without the millage, the township would have to make cuts to public safety services, Grewal said today, though she could not provide specifics." I'm not a resident of Pittsfield Township. But if I were, I would vote 'no' on this for the same reason I will be voting 'no' on the proposed $22M bond proposal the Saline BOE is pushing --- lack of specifics!!!
Your Dada
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 8:32 p.m.
I agree with you Buster. As a Township Resident, I am voting no one this issues. Lack of specifics!
John of Saline
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 8:05 p.m.
Pittsfield is pretty big population-wise to still be a township. Have they ever considered becoming a city?
Mumbambu, Esq.
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 8:03 p.m.
It's silly to write this off just because it is an increase, but, this is a significant increase. I'd like to see the numbers. My assessment sure hasn't been cut in half, and I don't like the idea of paying "twice" as much for the "same" coverage. Let's look at the numbers!
Dukdust
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 7:47 p.m.
Hey! Let's consolidate with A2 and inherit all their troubles! $195 per year or $0.54 per day...sounds cheap to keep the current level of protection! I'm voting for the millage!
Huron74
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.
The answer here is privatization! Mandate that all households must: 1.) Obatain a gun, 2.) purchase a fire extinguisher, and 3.) carry a cellphone at all times! Voila! Problem solved.
zip the cat
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 7:11 p.m.
its called consolidation,merge with another local police/fire dept and CUT your costs. Others do it why not you?
eyeonthenews
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.
According to the article, Pittsfield is setting a Gold standard in public safety at a low cost compaired to other areas. By consolidating with another police/fire dept. would lower response time and be less effective. Not wise.
tdw
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 7:19 p.m.
Zip seeing how everyone is in a bind, who exactly would they consolidate with ?