Washtenaw County commissioners preparing for major budget decisions, starting with vote on new tax
Washtenaw County Administrator Bob Guenzel and his staff offered a look ahead tonight as the county gears up to make major budget decisions.
Next Wednesday, the county board's Ways and Means Committee will be asked to approve an "Act 88" millage, a new countywide tax of 0.04 mills that would free up $603,000 a year in the county's general fund.
It would cost property owners $4 for every $100,000 of taxable value, Guenzel said.
"It's really about economic development and promoting agriculture in our community," he said. "It provides some consistency and sustainability for programs which are always at risk when we have budget problems."
Management Analyst Joanna Bidlack gave details of the proposal to commissioners gathered for tonight's administrative briefing. She said the millage would maintain funding at these levels for the following programs:• $200,000 for the economic activities of Ann Arbor SPARK and $50,000 for SPARK East.
• $100,000 for the economic development activities of the Eastern Leaders Group.
• $137,000 to fund the activities of the Department of Economic Development and Energy.
• $15,000 for the Washtenaw MSU Extension Agricultural Innovation Counselor.
• $27,000 for horticulture programming for the Washtenaw MSU Extension horticulture educator.
• $60,000 for 4-H activities, including allocations to the Washtenaw Farm Council for operating the Washtenaw County 4-H Youth Show and 4-H agricultural programming for the 4-H Extension educator.
• $15,000 to support the work of the Food System Economic Partnership.
Commissioners will meet at 6:30 p.m. next Wednesday at the county administration building, 220 N. Main St. If they approve the Act 88 millage in committee, the full board will take a final vote on the tax on Oct. 21.
The Oct. 21 meeting will be followed by a public hearing on the budget at 6 p.m. Oct. 22. It's expected that commissioners will adopt the budget in committee on Nov. 4, with final approval Nov. 18.
Commissioners also said tonight they will hold a special working session at 6:30 p.m. next Thursday to discuss infrastructure issues at length.
Guenzel announced tonight the county has reached tentative agreements with its labor unions that come close to meeting the labor cost savings he projected as part of recommendations to address a $30 million structural deficit in the county's two-year budget for 2010-11. He said the membership of AFSCME Local 2733, the county's largest union, is expected to vote Tuesday on an agreement.
"If things come through the way that we hope, we'll be within the ballpark of those targets," Guenzel said. "We hope to be able to bring whatever we have in terms of tentative agreements to the Oct. 21 meeting."
Earlier this summer, county officials identified $14.4 million in cuts to be made in 2010 and 2011. This past month, Guenzel made the second round of recommendations to address an additional $5.6 million shortfall in 2010 and a $16.4 million shortfall in 2011.
The solutions Guenzel presented most recently include $6.18 million in cuts in 2010 and $7.12 million in 2011, with the assumption there will be $3.5 million in labor savings in 2010 and $5 million in 2011.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
eyeonthenews
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 4:18 p.m.
Ryan, please investigate! I'd like to know how many times the County has used the ACT 88 in previous years to raise our taxes. I live in a neighborhood where the property values plummeted yet my property tax went up $1,000 in 2009. Lots of foreclosed homes being sold for less than you'd pay for a new car. To make up for lost taxes the County used ACT 88. I had been expecting lower property taxes but instead paid more. Now they're wanting to use this ACT again to raise our taxes. This Act 88 is from 1913 and as it predates the Headlee Amendment it doesn't require a vote. Please, everyone reading this, take a momment to look at the information listed on this link. This ACT 88 is a legal loophole that gives them carte blanche to aquire taxes from us whenever they deem fit. <a href="http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/boc/agenda/wm/year_2010/2010-10-20wm/act-88-2010-memo-resolution.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/boc/agenda/wm/year_2010/2010-10-20wm/act-88-2010-memo-resolution.pdf</a>
Penniebell
Wed, Oct 7, 2009 : 7:49 a.m.
We, citizens, do need to support this. Our taxes support many important/necessary programs that make our communities what they are. At least this tax is very small, and can mean a lot to this county.
OverTaxed
Mon, Oct 5, 2009 : 7:05 p.m.
Enough with raising the taxes. When times are good, the government raises taxes. When times are bad, the government raises taxes. I wish my pay check increased like that. I think we need to start a movement to reduce state, county, and city taxes. This area has punished us for living here for far too long. This is not play money, this is money I work had for and I am tired of this goverment spending it like this is a game of Monopoly!
Dan1737
Fri, Oct 2, 2009 : 2:55 p.m.
These programs are all worthwhile investments in the county's future that need continued support. I hope the Commissioners all agree and support this proposal.
slyde734
Thu, Oct 1, 2009 : 2:25 p.m.
I'm not sure why AnnArbor.com keeps deleting my posts, but I'm not interested in using my tax dollars to fund anything that Brenda Stumbo is involved with.She has already cost the residents of Ypsi Township over a million dollars with the frivolous lawsuit. To call her a leader in any sense, is an insult to the taxpayers of Ypsi Township and Washtenaw County.
treetowncartel
Thu, Oct 1, 2009 : 2:14 p.m.
Taxing sporting events and entertainment can only be pursued at the state level, not the local level. Heard today on the radio that the 11 states with the most taxes were the states that lost the most population. Last one to leave turn the lights out.
Ryan J. Stanton
Thu, Oct 1, 2009 : 1:43 p.m.
Here's some information on the Eastern Leaders Group https://elg.ewashtenaw.org/
slyde734
Thu, Oct 1, 2009 : 1:14 p.m.
I don't know if you read the article but the millage is not subject to a popular vote.My question to Mr. Guenzel and the Commissioners is how are these funds going to improve the community.I've seen the roster for the eastern leaders group and its the usual cast of characters and players. There aren't any new ideas and my fear is the money will get swallowed into the bureaucracy with little impact to the community.
braggslaw
Thu, Oct 1, 2009 : 11:42 a.m.
I will vigorously instrument a "viral" campaign against any public official who tries to raise taxes in Washtenaw county.
Gloriagirl
Thu, Oct 1, 2009 : 11:38 a.m.
Lets get smart about what we have here. Ann Arbor is a destination for all of MIchigan and the U.S. It,s time Washtenaw County and the city of Ann Arbor tax the events that we as residents have to work around every Saturday. There should be a tax on football, basketball and all sporting events that take place on our fair city, to support the cost of roads, education and infrastructure improvements and operating this community, rather than on local tax payers backs. While local politicians are quick to talk about a city tax, Nobody thinks twice that the University has special charges or use fees for facilities and infrastructure use within the University. An additional tax on dining for those with disposable income and lodging could offset the cost of fire and police service during University events. This is standard protocol in other Major cities, why not Ann Arbor?
KeepingItReal
Thu, Oct 1, 2009 : 10:01 a.m.
This is typical of Guenzel's style. Even he does not have the support of the public, he will find an alternative avenue to get what he want, just like he did with the jail. The voters did not approve a jail millage budget found the money anyway. Let him find the money to support his pet projects. I do not support his efforts to implement an "Act 88" millage and I will not vote for the commissioner who represents my district if she supports this millage.
Kristin Judge
Thu, Oct 1, 2009 : 9:19 a.m.
I will not be supporting the Act 88 tax increase. Until the county has found every efficiency, raising taxes on a community that is hurting without the citizens having a vote is not something I can do. After working hard on the budget over the next year, I will consider going to the voters for a Human Services millage. It will be up to the voters if they feel that money is well spent. To sign up for my email newsletter, send me an email at judgek@ewashtenaw.org. I ask for feedback from residents in each monthly issue.
braggslaw
Thu, Oct 1, 2009 : 8:56 a.m.
Ken, I completely agree. Taxes should never be raised in a recession. Cut expenses just like private citizens and companies. Government exists to provide services, not jobs.
Ken Sharrock
Thu, Oct 1, 2009 : 8:36 a.m.
Raise the tax if you feel the government should take more resources away from the people and economic growth. Raise the tax if you want to continue the policies that got us here. Raise the tax if you want to contribute to the demise of the Michigan economy. Have we learned nothing yet?