Washtenaw County Road Commission seeks 0.6 mill tax levy for road improvements
The Washtenaw County Road Commission agreed today to seek a 0.6 mill countywide tax to improve crumbling roads, bridges and culverts.
With state and federal funding dwindling, the Road Commission is resurrecting the use of Public Act 283 of 1909, which gives the County Board of Commissioners the ability to levy a tax for road improvements following an annual report by the county highway engineer that includes description of the projects and estimated costs.
If the county board approves the 0.6 mill levy, it would raise about $8.7 million for road projects in 2012, and all the money will stay in the county. Because this act predates the Headlee Amendment, which requires a vote on new taxes, it will not be placed on the ballot for a vote.
Steve Puuri, Road Commission managing director, said the act was used “quite regularly until 1970 then the road commission stopped presenting this annual report to the Board of Commissioners.”“We are underinvesting in infrastructure nationally as well as locally,” said Road Commission member Ken Schwartz, who added that the proposed projects would “benefit everyone in substantially equal ways.”
“... There was a different wisdom (back then)," Schwartz said. "You preserve your existing improvements…I’m impressed by the old dudes who put this together.”
Among the work planned in the first year, said Roy Townsend, county road engineer, is sealcoating about 30 miles of roads, paving 20 miles of roads, improving about 2 and 1/2 miles of gravel roads, replacing two large culverts, repairing a bridge and reconstructing a road.
“It will provide a mix of fixes, equitability divided throughout the county,” Puuri said.
The tax would be levied on properties in all townships, villages and cities in the county. The owner of a home with a $100,000 taxable value would pay $60 per year as a result of the tax.
Townsend said he planned a number of joint projects among villages, cities and neighboring townships. Commissioners must approve the amount of the tax levy every year. He said he hoped that the proposal could be placed on a county board work session agenda “soon,” perhaps in September.
“This will benefit all the residents of this county that drive automobiles on all roads, not just county roads,” said Doug Fuller, Road Commission board chairman.
The act grants the Road Commission the authority to determine the amount of the tax levied each year based on a specific plan and present it to the County Board of Commissioners. The county board can approve, approve with changes or reject all or part of the plan.
Townsend said he didn’t expect the projects to create any additional jobs.
If approved by a majority of the county board this fall, property owners could see this new levy on their winter tax bills.
Lisa Allmendinger is a regional reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at lisaallmendinger@annarbor.com.
Comments
snapshot
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 10:10 p.m.
I love it when the mostly democratic board of commissioners, including the Representative Jeff Irwin, all of whom oppose the EFM laws because the "circumvent Democracy" but are more than willing to circumvent taxpayer rights to a fair vote on increased taxes by implementing a 1919 antiquated law to take money out of MY property. What about MY democratic right to vote folks? No problem stealing that away with legal trickery. No doubt that money you are taking out of my pocket without my permission will be going to support some of those union folks so bent out of shape about the EFM laws taking their democratic rights away. How about that dual standard, hypocritical, self serving action? what do you have to say about yourselves? Did you sign the petition to recall Snyder? Do you support the court challenge to EFM laws? I know Jeff Irwin does and he voted for the last property tax increase for SPARK that circumvented my right to vote. I'd like to know what all these government workers and union members think about this "dual standard" of taxing me without my input?
R Phillips
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 3:21 a.m.
If this passes, residents MUST unite to demand higher quality road repairs. The Carpenter Rd repairs are wholly unacceptable...to everyone except WCRC employees. The WCRC assistant director of engineering emailed a response to me, stating that the repairs were made to their satisfaction, within specification. That tells me that the WCRC needs new specifications, or this is what we can expect of OUR money. UNACCEPTABLE!!! Roads MUST be repaired using improved techniques, of which WCRC appears unaware or just too lazy to implement. There needs to be an accountability within WCRC. As citizens, who will be footing this bill, its time to stand up and let WCRC know you think of their road repairs by emailing them. Sheryl Siddall (Assoc. Dir. of Engineering): siddalls@wcroads.org Roy Townsend (Dir. of Engineering): townsendr@wcroads.org Aaron Bekholz (Construction Supervisor): berkholza@wcroads.org Jim Harmon (Dir. of Operations): harmonj@wcroads.org Douglas Fuller (Chairman of the Board): fullerd@wcroads.org Steven Puuri (Managing Director): puuris@wcroads.org
ann arbor kid
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 12:15 a.m.
I live in a modest home in Ann Arbor. I use city and county roads. I will pay about $60.00 in road tax if this tax is passed. I am willing to pay because America was great when we invested in our roads. Michigan to Florida without a red light. Amazing. Only the government can do these projects. Are there any corporations willing to step up and take this job. There is no profit in it. I want good roads. I'm willing to pay $60.00 to make it happen.
Les Gov
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 10:25 p.m.
Just to make this clear for Epenger..and others...this proposed tax increase will go to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners for approval. This is the same group of people that INCREASED our taxes under Act 88......another tax increase that they approved without putting the increase before the voters. So how did this group spend our money without giving the voters a chance to vote on this other increase? The millage will provide: $200,000 for Ann Arbor SPARK. $50,000 for SPARK East. $100,000 for the Eastern Leaders Group. $59,000 for 4-H activities. $27,000 for Horticulture Programming. $15,000 for Agricultural Innovation. $15,000 for the Food Systems Economic Partnership. $137,000 for the county's Department of Economic Development and Energy activities. <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/government/county-board-meeting-nov-4/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/government/county-board-meeting-nov-4/</a> You may want to do a little research to see who run some of these groups...and who benefits the most from this groups. Lets just say the people benefiting the most from our tax dollars are very well off. As for the commissioners themselves....well....it is very public record that they have taken our tax money and stuffed it into their pockets. Yes, I call that stealing. <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/four-washtenaw-county-commissioners-still-havent-repaid-county-for-money-owed-attorney-calls-it-mind/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/four-washtenaw-county-commissioners-still-havent-repaid-county-for-money-owed-attorney-calls-it-mind/</a> So for the second time at least, this group of people have found another way to take our tax dollars without going to the voters for approval. They have already shown us where the money will end up. How many times are they going to be allowed to increase our taxes? Epengar you might have a better understanding if you researched the articles in AA.com suggested above.
Epengar
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 1:23 a.m.
Do you also call it "stealing" when the state legislature votes to impose a tax? or the Congress?
Epengar
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 11:40 p.m.
The County Commissioners have the legal authority to levy this tax, they had it as soon as we elected them, and their predecessors have had it since 1913. One of the things we elected them to do is decide whether and how to use this power. If you don't like that, ok, work to change the law.
Vicki Motsinger
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 6:07 p.m.
Why not think of a more equitable way of getting the money? Why does the property owner always get stuck with the cost. There are a lot of drivers that use the Washtenaw County roads not just the property owners.
Ron Granger
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.
"Townsend said he planned a number of joint projects among villages, cities and neighboring townships." Based on that, I'd vote NO. It isn't that I am opposed to this funding, but we need more detail than that in how this money will be spent. Also, I'd like to know how credit cards, "company" vehicles, gas cards, etc are doled out at the road commission. Though the same concerns apply for the county and city (especially the city, since the budgets and employee counts are so much higher). I think the taxpayers would be shocked and furious if they knew the details of those things in some *other* cities and counties - though I don't know the particulars of A2 and Washtenaw. Is it wrong for a city employee to use their city SUV for vacations around the state, boat towing, etc? I know that happens in other cities, and it is shocking that it still goes on.
L
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 1:11 p.m.
We can presume the existing "repair work " performed by WCRC and evident throughout A2 is an example of what we can expect in regards to future repairs, to which this tax levy will be appropriated. Pathetic attempts at covering up real issues with our infrastructure, all the while paying out ample salaries and slapping themselves on the back for their "work". Given the state of our current local road infrastructure, one is left to wonder where appropriated road repair tax dollars have been spent thus far. Class Action Litigation against the City of A2 for unnecessary damage and subsequent needed repairs our vehicles sounds appropriate about this time.
Ed Kimball
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 12:32 p.m.
Interesting. Nearly all the comments on this page oppose the millage increase, but 62% of the votes (at this point) support it. Apparently, there is such a thing as a "silent majority".
Epengar
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 8:13 p.m.
more like a strident minority.
dextermom
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 12:26 p.m.
As a homeowner and a driver, I am willing to pay for road improvement. But I concur with all the comments on the poor quality of the repairs. And additionally about how short a time they last. There must be a better way than what we're doing. And there's no reason to "experiment" with new methods. We just returned from driving in Norway and Sweden and were constantly impressed at the quality of the roads. They have rain, snow, hot, cold. Is there something we could learn and implement?
Ed Kimball
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 12:30 p.m.
Yes, there is something to learn from the Scandinavian countries. Their citizens are willing to pay enough taxes to maintain their infrastructure.
McGiver
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 11:08 a.m.
The poll results suggest that folks really want to improve road conditions in the county. Based on what is proposed to be improved, it is a drop in the bucket in this county. I DO support an increase in the gas tax, however, but we as citizens must hold our elected reps accountable for spending. Just giving them more money tempts mischief at all levels of government. A county tax that is not voted on will make a lot of voters mad and you county commissioners are going to pay for that in the next election.
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 11:02 a.m.
Of course, we'll see if my lame duck rep Leah Gunn is going to vote for this tax increase. My guess is yes.
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 11 a.m.
Is County Commissioner Conan Smith ready to pay back what he owes to the County taxpayers? Until then, vote NO on any new tax coming from this body.
Epengar
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 11:20 p.m.
What do you think this would accomplish?
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 8:25 a.m.
They need more money to purchase bigger trucks that will hold 10 workers at one time while the eleventh worker shovels cold patch into the many chuck holes..........what a joke these road crews are.........Our tax dollars at work.....reading the paper and sleeping.
Buster W.
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
TBS3 Spot on!
David Wallner
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 8:12 a.m.
I agree that the roads in the area are in rough shape. Occasionally I happen upon a road that is smooth and free of pot-holes and I can't help but take notice of how nice it used to be when most all of the roads were in "good" condition. Here is my beef, where is the money comin from to construct all the stupid speed humps? These things are springing up like weeds and as far as I am concerned, they have little effect. If people are driving too fast write some tickets. I can't wait to see what they do in the winter when it's time to plow. Oh never mind, the city doesn't do much of that either.
KJMClark
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 2:51 p.m.
It's the city putting in the speed humps, not the WCRC. They are completely different. And in case you missed it, we're cutting back on police funding. So fewer people to write tickets. The speed humps do the same job without tying up police writing tickets. I hope they put in speed humps on all the non-arterials. They're much safer for the people in the neighborhood, and if you're not speeding, they're no problem. Besides, we've had these in the winter for years. Other northern cities have had them for decades. The plow truck just slows down a bit and raises their blade on the hump. That's part of the reason there are signs on the side of the road, but it's also really easy to see where the hump is, since the snow rises there too.
R Phillips
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 7:05 a.m.
This is level of performance should be unacceptable to the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) for many reasons. This level of workmanship should never be tolerated, and should have been discovered by an WCRC employee prior to the chip seal layer being applied. There have to be quality control measures instituted by the WCRC to prevent road maintenance monies being wasted, as this project was a 100% waste of county (taxpayer) funds. The condition of the road after a project of this nature is utterly shameful. C&C Contractors should be embarrassed and ashamed of their product. C&C Contractors must be held accountable by WCRC for this type of workmanship, as should all contractors performing work for WCRC. It is for this reason that I vote NO, and will encourage all friends, family and coworkers to vote NO, on any millage request from the WCRC to raise revenue to maintain roads. There is a blatant disregard by the WCRC for the citizens of this county, and a shameful misuse of existing funds, as demonstrated with the Carpenter Rd chip seal project. WCRC needs to demonstrate that they can maintain control over subcontractors with whom they've awarded contracts. This is a problem that occurs time-after-time. Poor construction techniques, poor quality materials, ineffective oversight and general disregard for spending of taxpayer money has to stop somewhere.
J. A. Pieper
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 2:41 a.m.
So we don't have a choice about this $60, and it sounds as if we aren't getting quality work done under the guidance of WCRC, but we are stuck because we can't vote on this. Whenever there is an idea for an additional tax, the comments include how much it will cost per assessed value of our property. Every entity out there forgets that they are not the only request for additional taxes, and when passed, we are all left with a higher tax bill!
Epengar
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 8:10 p.m.
Have you sent this same information directly to the county commissioners, and the road commission? <a href="http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/boc" rel='nofollow'>http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/boc</a> <a href="http://www.wcroads.org/contact.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.wcroads.org/contact.htm</a>
R Phillips
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 6:57 a.m.
The chip seal resurfacing project recently completed by C&C Contractors on Carpenter Rd south of Textile Rd in Pittsfield Twp, is unacceptable. Prior to resurfacing, C&C cut and removed transverse sections of the road surface about 12-15 inches in length across the width of both lanes at various intervals. Sections were removed where the existing road surface had risen due to pushing against itself during normal use with expansion/contraction over the years, causing raised transverse cracks across the roadway. These were then filled with an asphalt/aggregate mix to provide a level base for the new chip seal layer. However, nearly each repaired area was improperly filled and compacted, resulting in unevenness of the base roadway. Repairs were grossly overfilled and negligently compacted. Thus, each repair was constructed into a literal speed bump, causing vehicles passing over them to bounce and shudder. Weeks of driving over these "speed bumps" did nothing to level them closer to the actual surrounding road surface. Instead of fixing these areas, C&C merely sprayed down the asphalt layer and spread the aggregate on top, hoping that the chip seal layer would mask their mistakes. It did not. The hump created at each of those patched areas is as bad or worse now, as to before C&C began their work. Not only is driving over these a nuisance, it's also damaging to vehicles resulting in premature wear of various suspension components. Further, these humps will create more surface deformations (rutting/undulations) as the force of vehicles passing over the humps multiplies and shoves surface material aside. Surface cracks will develop which will retain water, itself a dangerous condition for motorists (hydroplaning). The water (and ice in the winter) will further deteriorate the surface materials and eventually erode the roadway until a pothole is formed. All this because a contractor was allowed by WCRC to provide a vastly inferior product to
a2huron
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 1:25 a.m.
Finally a great idea coming out of the road commission. No way any gas tax increase is happening. Far fewer gallons being purchased these days, which means far less tax revenue for roads and snow plowing. The feds are all but worthless and won't give Michigan any more bucks. If the money is really staying in the county, then let's do it. We need to start taking responsibility for our own roads and quit holding our breath for federal/state $ that just plain ain't coming.
free
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 12:50 a.m.
I would rather see the gas tax go up to pay for the roads. This tax only penalizes the people that have to pay county taxes, while letting everybody else use the roads for free. As the average MPG continues to climb and less gas is used, each gallon is going to have to be taxed more to raise the same revenues. Michigan's roads need way more than that just to get back up to being acceptable.
John Whatever
Tue, Aug 16, 2011 : 11:35 p.m.
Eliminate the good ol' boys in government for starters.
mojo
Tue, Aug 16, 2011 : 11:34 p.m.
How about a vote to cut salaries at the Road Commission by 5%?
John Whatever
Tue, Aug 16, 2011 : 11:37 p.m.
non union employees have not had any pay increases in over 7 years and are paying more for insurance. perhaps union positions that get pay grade increases during pay freezes should be questioned.
Les Gov
Tue, Aug 16, 2011 : 10:41 p.m.
"this act predates the Headlee Amendment, which requires a vote on new taxes, it will not be placed on the ballot for a vote." Once again these government employees who should be working for the people don't have enough guts to take a tax increase to the public. Rather than asking the public to make the decision on how the public's money should be spent Steve Puuri and company are going to reach into our wallets and just take our money. It is one thing if the majority of the voters approve a tax increase. Just taking the money without letting the voters make a decision...well...that is no different than stealing.. Kwame politics are alive and well in Washtenwaw County.
Epengar
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 8:07 p.m.
The tax has has to get approved by *elected* county commissioners, people we elected to represent us. So it's not even close to stealing. Did you even bother to read the article? If you don't like it, call your commissioners.
xmo
Tue, Aug 16, 2011 : 10:41 p.m.
"gives the County Board of Commissioners the ability to levy a tax for road improvements" Great, Now they can tax us for everything else plus add a special tax for the roads that we cannot vote on!
DonBee
Tue, Aug 16, 2011 : 10:15 p.m.
Plenty of tax money for any social cause the county commission can think of. When it comes to public safety, roads or other functions defined in the state constitution or the supporting laws, the board says "sorry out of money". So pink fuzzy slippers, no problem, replacing a bridge, out of luck. Sorry Conan, your priorities are UPSIDE DOWN!