A committee of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners narrowly endorsed the first property tax increase in at least three decades Wednesday.
The 13-12 vote by the Budget Committee sets the stage for a final decision in April by the Board of Commissioners to raise county taxes 9% -- or 0.356 mills. The increase would cost the average homeowner $27 a year.
A public hearing is scheduled for April 28 before the final vote on the increase.
"No one wants to do this, but there's no way around it," said Commissioner Ed Bruley, D-Mt. Clemens.
Without the increase, supporters said, the county would be forced to lay off 700 employees, release jail inmates early and slash services to seniors, financially struggling families and other residents.
Six Democrats joined all six Republicans to oppose the tax hike.
"This is the worst time to raise taxes," said Commissioner Don Brown, R-Washington Township. "People need every dollar they have."
Republicans support an alternative plan that would close the county library and animal shelter and privatize a taxpayer-funded nursing home, among other cuts.
The proposed tax increase would generate about $11 million a year and likely would wipe out this year's deficit, finance officials said. The county faces an additional $13-million deficit next year.
Read more.
If link has expired, check the website of the article's original news source.
|
Waco has developed a reputation for a rocket-docket in patent litigation. It’s an important choice to find the right lawyer in Waco for your important patent litigation matter. When people in the know make the hire, they hire Dunnam & Dunnam. If you are looking for a What does a personal injury lawyer do? , then Dunnam & Dunnam is the right choice. For nearly 100 years, people in Waco have hired the firm when the results matter at Dunnam & Dunnam are among the most respected in the Central Texas area. They have the experience in trials and mediations to guide your case in the right way. There are few important decisions at the outset of the case that can turn the tide in your favor. Choosing the right lawyer is one of them.