Legislative Positions Local Government

Support for legislation to extend 9-1-1 Service Act sunset 
SEMCOG supports legislation that would extend the sunset of the Emergency 9-1-1 Service Enabling Act. This Act provides Michigan counties a stable and equitable source for public safety funding. [Resolution passed at July 25, 2008 Executive Committee meeting.]

Governor's Task Force on Local Government Services and Fiscal Stability Report 
SEMCOG supports the recommendations in the report from the Governor’s Task Force on Local Government Services and Fiscal Stability. The recommendations in the report are a step in the right direction to providing local governments the tools they need to remain fiscally solvent, and to continue to provide essential services. View the Governor's Task Force Report (PDF, 393 kb). [Resolution passed at April 28, 2006 Executive Committee meeting.] 

Correcting inequities caused by the Michigan Supreme Court’s 2002 decision in WPW Acquisition Co v City of Troy
SEMCOG's 2005 Legislative Policy Platform included support for preserving and enhancing local government revenue sources. Bills have passed the Michigan House that would correct inequities caused by the Michigan Supreme Court’s 2002 decision in WPW Acquisition Co v City of Troy by establishing a specific Commercial Rental Property Tax allowing for increases and decreases in a new “adjusted taxable value” based on occupancy. [Approved at January 28, 2005 Executive Committee meeting.]

Clarification of the appropriate use of fees by local and state governments
SEMCOG will pursue actions that would result in clarification of the appropriate application of fees and substantiate the ability of local and state governments to employ user fees to fund essential services, including working with the Michigan legislature, local governments, and other regions. [Resolution passed at January 28, 2005 Executive Committee meeting.]

General Property Tax Act amendments 
SEMCOG supports the following corrections to the General Property Tax Act as but one step to improving local government financing: Exempting "uncapped" values" created by property transfers from the Headlee roll back calculation, and allowing Headlee "roll ups." [Resolution passed at December 10, 2004 Executive Committee meeting.] 

Resolution in support of No Reason Absentee Balloting 
SEMCOG urges the state legislature to enact the necessary legislation to eliminate the statutory reasons for voters to be eligible to obtain an absentee ballot. [Resolution passed at December 10, 2004 Executive Committee meeting.]