Understanding Local Government in Michigan

1. Understanding Local Government in Michigan

2. Local Government in Michigan Program will help you: Learn more about the development of local government in Michigan Understand how local governments operate and the services they provide Explore the ways that you can be more actively involved.

3. What is Local Government? Uses tax revenues Has own governing body (usually elected)

4. What does local government do for you? Where would you go to� Have your name changed Get a birth certificate or marriage license Obtain a building permit Deal with a sewer or drainage problem Get an immunization Register to vote Obtain records of property ownership Make points about how there may be more than one place to do some of these things (voter registration�.local clerk and Secretary of State) There is a matching exercise in the Developing Community Leadership Curriculum (Learning Activity�Community D-2�Contact Beth Moore for more information. Make points about how there may be more than one place to do some of these things (voter registration�.local clerk and Secretary of State) There is a matching exercise in the Developing Community Leadership Curriculum (Learning Activity�Community D-2�Contact Beth Moore for more information.

5. This session will examine� History and structure of local government in Michigan Focus on county government, then, townships, villages and cities Brief overview of how local government is funded. Exploring the paths for citizen involvement

6. History and structure of local government in Michigan

7. Michigan Has 8 Figures: MML for cities and villages; MTA for townships; Mich Dept. of Ed for schools and intermediate school districts. The number of cities, townships and villages may change slightly over time (annexation; villages becoming home rule cities etc.) The exact figures for number of school districts often varies�depending on whether the count is including K-12 and K-6. The number of special authorities continues to increase. Make the distinction between special purpose and general purpose governments. Special purpose governments have a single mandated purpose (airport authority, community college); they operate generally independently of general purpose units; boundaries may overlap several general purpose units. There are approximately 1,025 special purpose units Figures: MML for cities and villages; MTA for townships; Mich Dept. of Ed for schools and intermediate school districts. The number of cities, townships and villages may change slightly over time (annexation; villages becoming home rule cities etc.) The exact figures for number of school districts often varies�depending on whether the count is including K-12 and K-6. The number of special authorities continues to increase. Make the distinction between special purpose and general purpose governments. Special purpose governments have a single mandated purpose (airport authority, community college); they operate generally independently of general purpose units; boundaries may overlap several general purpose units. There are approximately 1,025 special purpose units

8. * Boundaries may cross city, township and village lines ** Boundaries are within the township *** Boundaries may include more than one county Local GovernmentsOverlapping Boundaries

9. Michigan�s Local Government Heritage Northwest Ordinance (1787), and then the state�s four constitutions, established framework for local government. Large number of local governments (13th among the 50 states) Strong sense of local control Strong emphasis on role of government and education Data: 13th among 50 states is from The Michigan Manual, Nov. 2005. The group may be able to identify other unique characteristics about local government in Michigan as compared to other states. Data: 13th among 50 states is from The Michigan Manual, Nov. 2005. The group may be able to identify other unique characteristics about local government in Michigan as compared to other states.

10. U.S. Congress Shaped Michigan Local Government Land Ordinance of 1785 Established rectangular grid survey Townships were 6 miles x 6 miles Reserved Section 16 lands for public education Northwest Ordinance of 1787 State intention to divide territory into 3-5 states (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan) Township idea for NW territory came from Thomas Jefferson. He wanted local government to be patterned after the New England town meeting concept. He said that each of these surveyed areas would become an �elementary republic.� (Michigan Manual, p. 711) Township idea for NW territory came from Thomas Jefferson. He wanted local government to be patterned after the New England town meeting concept. He said that each of these surveyed areas would become an �elementary republic.� (Michigan Manual, p. 711)

11. Northwest Ordinance of 1787 Guaranteed rights for settlers: Habeas corpus Due process Religious freedom Prohibited slavery in the territory Guaranteed statehood when there were 60,000 inhabitants Ad valorem taxes to be used to finance local govt.

12. Michigan Becomes a State--1837 1834 census counted 84,000 in lower peninsula First state constitution ratified in 1835 Statehood delayed until 1837 because of boundary dispute with Ohio. Final agreement: Toledo for Ohio, U.P. for Michigan Township idea for NW territory came from Thomas Jefferson. He wanted local government to be patterned after the New England town meeting concept. He said that each of these surveyed areas would become an �elementary republic.� (Michigan Manual, p. 711) Township idea for NW territory came from Thomas Jefferson. He wanted local government to be patterned after the New England town meeting concept. He said that each of these surveyed areas would become an �elementary republic.� (Michigan Manual, p. 711)

13. Three patterns for local governments in 1837 New England Plan Compact settlements; town/township was basic unit County served basic judicial function Virginia Plan Scattered settlements; land granted to individuals county was principle unit, no townships Most officials appointed New York Plan Western N.Y. settled by New Englanders, thus, strong township influence; however, counties became stronger As local government evolved in Michigan, counties and townships shared powers. New England plan�fishing and shipping based economies; land often granted to religious groups; county, where it existed, served only as administrative arm of the state. Virginia Plan�land granted to individuals; no townships. Judges, appointed by county, administered the county; circuit judge model evolved; �Shire Reeve� appointed by colonial governor New York plan�compromise plan with township supervisors and city representatives comprising the county board of supervisors Michigan adopts compromise plan�Many New Yorkers found their way to Michigan (many names of NY derivation); Starting with Michigan�s 1850 constitution, counties and townships shared powers. New England plan�fishing and shipping based economies; land often granted to religious groups; county, where it existed, served only as administrative arm of the state. Virginia Plan�land granted to individuals; no townships. Judges, appointed by county, administered the county; circuit judge model evolved; �Shire Reeve� appointed by colonial governor New York plan�compromise plan with township supervisors and city representatives comprising the county board of supervisors Michigan adopts compromise plan�Many New Yorkers found their way to Michigan (many names of NY derivation); Starting with Michigan�s 1850 constitution, counties and townships shared powers.

14. Local Government Powers Granted existence by state constitution Political subdivisions of the states No inherent right to existence Power of local governments rests largely with provisions, interpretations of state constitutions.

15. Two Sides of the Argument of Local vs. state control Dillon's Rule Cooley Doctrine

16. Home Rule Concept Most forcefully argued by Thomas Cooley (MI Supreme Court) in late 1800�s Grants discretionary authority to local governments over �local affairs� Local government is a matter of absolute right to citizens, cannot be taken away by state

17. Creatures of the State (No Home Rule) Dillion�s Rule (Iowa Supreme Court) Local governments possess no inherent sovereignty unless expressly implied by state law Local governments owe their very existence to the state

18. Trenton v. New Jersey 1923 (U.S. Supreme Court) In the absence of state constitutional provisions safeguarding it to them, municipalities have no inherent right of self-government which is beyond the legislative control of the state. 1 A municipality is merely a department of the state, and the state may withhold, grant or withdraw powers and privileges as it sees fit. However great or small its sphere of action, it remains the creature of the state exercising and holding powers and privileges subject to the sovereign will.

19. Assessing the Degree of Home Rule Degree of Discretionary Authority Immunity from state mandates/legislation Court interpretation of �local government authority� also called �liberal construction�

20. �Local Control� Local control is constantly evolving Subject to legislative agenda, courts Locals have power to act unless prohibited by legislature, constitution Legislature has provided: Examples: home rule authority; planning and zoning authority State has also removed powers: Examples: employee residency requirements; Right to Farm legislation

21. Degree of Discretionary Authority over: Structure and organization; How will you operate? Function: What will you do? Fiscal: How will you raise spend and borrow money Personnel: Number, type and condition of employees

22. Michigan Home Rule & Constitution In general, Michigan home rule is not as strong as it would first appear Constitutional provisions for home rule do not identify school districts Statues must be passed to implement constitutional provisions Legislature shall pass no special or local in any case where a general act can be made applicable State is prohibited from requiring any new or expanded activities by local governments without full state financing

23. 1835 Constitution Individual liberties; self-government State and local court system Elected county officials 1850 Constitution Established Board of Supervisors 1908 Constitution Citizens given more role in government Home rules for cities 1963 Constitution Provided option for county charters Better defined relationships between levels of government Local Government and the State Constitutions Michigan�s four constitutions have reflected the current political and social trends regarding the relationships of government and the people. Michigan�s four constitutions have reflected the current political and social trends regarding the relationships of government and the people.

24. Focus on county government, townships, villages and cities

25. Grand Design of Local Gov�t Counties would serve as outposts of state government �agent of the state� Cities would provide for the urban population Townships provide basic services for rural residents (assessing, collecting taxes and conducting elections Villages serve as transition government from rural township to an urban center.

26. Counties Largest political subdivision of the state Began in Wayne County in 1796 38 counties established when Michigan became a state in 1837 Dickinson (1891)--last of the now 83 counties What is the history of your county? After Michigan became a state, subsequent counties were formed by reducing or dividing those counties, depending on the number of settlers in the area What is the history of your county? After Michigan became a state, subsequent counties were formed by reducing or dividing those counties, depending on the number of settlers in the area

27. Michigan�s 83 Counties Size: Population figures: 2000 census How does your county fit within these ranges? Population figures: 2000 census How does your county fit within these ranges?

28. Michigan County Government Formed to centralize administrative functions of state government and to address needs of citizens. Responsibilities have remained much the same through the years. Equalization of taxes Election oversight Records of persons and property Licensing Roads Care of rural lands and populations Provision of health and social services Counties are the form of government that have probably changed the least through the years�.�still exists to extend outreach of state government and serve state interests.� (Michigan Manual, p. 712). Examples: counties are partners with states in areas such as public health, mental health, highway and road administration, emergency preparedness etc. The basic functions have stayed the same over the years but the specifics may have shifted as citizens expectation of government have changed, as the roles of federal and state government have expanded and as various structural changes have been required by law. Counties are the form of government that have probably changed the least through the years�.�still exists to extend outreach of state government and serve state interests.� (Michigan Manual, p. 712). Examples: counties are partners with states in areas such as public health, mental health, highway and road administration, emergency preparedness etc. The basic functions have stayed the same over the years but the specifics may have shifted as citizens expectation of government have changed, as the roles of federal and state government have expanded and as various structural changes have been required by law.

29. County Government--Other States County government�all but 3 states (Connecticut, Hawaii, Rhode Island) Terminology different in some states: Boroughs in Alaska Parishes in Louisiana Commissioners are called: freeholders in New Jersey, supervisors in California, police jurors in Louisiana and judges in several southern states

30. Michigan County Government Powers conferred by the state Must be directly authorized by constitution or law Must be �related to county affairs� Must not interfere in local affairs Must be consistent with state law

31. County Board of Commissioners Originally Michigan had a Board of Supervisors (representing each township and city) 1967 U.S. Supreme Court ruling (Avery vs. Midland TX) brought one person one vote to local government Board of Supervisors became Board of Commissioners in 1968 One of the most important factors that influenced the present system of county government was the U.S. Supreme Court ruling (Hank Avery vs. Midland County Texas in 1967, stating that each county board member (within a county) must represent the same number of people. This change greatly altered the relationship between counties, cities and townships�frequently shifting the power base from rural to urban. One of the most important factors that influenced the present system of county government was the U.S. Supreme Court ruling (Hank Avery vs. Midland County Texas in 1967, stating that each county board member (within a county) must represent the same number of people. This change greatly altered the relationship between counties, cities and townships�frequently shifting the power base from rural to urban.

32. County Boards County boards can change size after census; currently 699 commissioners in state 18.7 percent are female Average age is 55.1 years 64.7% Republican Size of board depends on population--ranges from 5-26 Urban counties have as many as 80,000 constituents per commissioner; rural have as few as 445. Commissioners serve two-year terms Partisan elections held in even years Data gathered by MSUE, after Nov. 2004 electionData gathered by MSUE, after Nov. 2004 election

33. Functions of the County Board Legislation (resolutions and ordinances) consistent with grant of authority Budgeting Establish compensation for employees Make appointments to county positions Provide constituent services

34. Elected County Officials Constitution specifies 4 or 5 elected administrative officials Sheriff, Clerk*, Register of Deeds*, Treasurer, Prosecuting Attorney Elected for 4-year terms Partisan races in gubernatorial elections Optional elected administrative positions Drain Commissioner, Members of Road Commission, Surveyor, Mine Inspector *These two offices can be combined. There are 33 county road commissions where the members are elected and the rest are appointed. There are 33 county road commissions where the members are elected and the rest are appointed.

35. Other Responsibilities of County Government Some variation from county to county in the way things are organized. Some variation from county to county in the way things are organized.

36. County Administration County elected officials carry out administrative functions (no central administration)�18 With growing populations and increasing complexity of issues, more counties have created administrative positions: Elected Executive�3 Controller--11 Controller/Administrator--15 Administrator�29 Director of Finance--2 Coordinator--5 Numbers represent the counties according to data collected by MSUE in 2004Numbers represent the counties according to data collected by MSUE in 2004

37. Functions of County Administration Separates policymaking from administration Centralizes administrative functions in single person/office Budget development, monitoring Leadership for county staff Personnel and labor relations Purchasing Buildings and grounds Other duties depending on position

38. Township Government in Michigan 20 states with township government Townships originally 36 square miles; now range from 4 square miles to 600 1242 townships Jurisdiction of almost 95% of total land Almost half of state�s population live in a township Population range: 10-95,000 Figures from Michigan Townships Association-2005Figures from Michigan Townships Association-2005

39. Township History 1787: Northwest Territory divided the land into 36-mile squares called townships(section 16 set aside for schools) 1827: Townships were made governmental units 1947: Charter Township Act provided option for townships to increase tax revenues and provide more services

40. Two Forms of Townships State law provides for either general law or charter townships Organization of government is same Different ability to levy taxes; charter townships can levy 5 more mills and an additional 5 with vote of people Units choose which option works for them; can adopt charter if population is over 2000 Charter townships do not actually adopt a charter General law�may have 4 trustees if population >5000 or registered voters >3000. Voters must decide if they want this option. Originally much of the governing occurred at annual meeting..now discretionary. Board may hire a manager. Since 1960 (MCLA 41.1) , they have the power to regulate for health, safety and welfare. They have planning and zoning power. Townships receive operating millage fixed by county allocation board Charter townships�same basic governing structure as general law townships; have broader power in areas of borrowing and condemnation of land; under specific conditions, they have greater protection from annexation; board may hire superintendent to carry out administrative duties. General law�may have 4 trustees if population >5000 or registered voters >3000. Voters must decide if they want this option. Originally much of the governing occurred at annual meeting..now discretionary. Board may hire a manager. Since 1960 (MCLA 41.1) , they have the power to regulate for health, safety and welfare. They have planning and zoning power. Townships receive operating millage fixed by county allocation board Charter townships�same basic governing structure as general law townships; have broader power in areas of borrowing and condemnation of land; under specific conditions, they have greater protection from annexation; board may hire superintendent to carry out administrative duties.

41. Two Methods of Achieving Charter Status for Townships Vote of registered electors or Township Board Resolution If by Election: 5 charter mills, voters may increase the limit to 10 mills If by Resolution: Levy only the amount currently authorized, voters may increase to 5 mills

42. Townships Responsible for all aspects of local government Health, safety, welfare Fire protection Traffic safety Land use and zoning Subdivision controls Licensing of businesses Administer elections Assess property and collect taxes May also provide public water and sewers, libraries, etc.

43. Leadership for Townships Township governing structure specified in constitution; officials elected for four-year terms on partisan ballot in the presidential election year: Supervisor Clerk Treasurer Trustees�2-4

44. Township Legislative Body General Law � 5 person board all elected, may hire a township administrator Charter Township � 7 person board, hire township manager or superintendent Board appoints individuals to various boards and commissions

45. Village Government Historically formed when greater population density within a township leads to the need for more services Licensing and regulation Establishment of own water supply, sewerage Controlling and maintaining own streets, roads Villages remain part of township Residents vote in village and township elections Subject to both village and township taxes Presently--261 villages with populations ranging from 130 - 10,000 New village incorporation rare since 1970; over 100 villages have become cities since 1930. New village incorporation rare since 1970; over 100 villages have become cities since 1930.

46. Village History Before 1895�special charters passed by legislature 1895 General Law Village Act�incorporated every existing village 1909 Home Rule Village Act Mandated by 1908 Constitution Permitted existing villages to adopt charter (presently about 50 in 2005) Home rule villages can levy up to 20 mills; voters must approve changes in charter; annexation accomplished through State Boundary Commission. Home rule villages can levy up to 20 mills; voters must approve changes in charter; annexation accomplished through State Boundary Commission.

47. Village Leadership Village officials elected in partisan elections for 2-4 year terms; 2nd Monday in March General Law villages elect: president, clerk, treasurer and 6 trustees Home Rule villages elect president, clerk and a legislative body; others as needed

48. Village Government--Types of Responsibilities Sidewalks Street lighting and pavement Zoning Local water supply Care of cemeteries Building regulations

49. City Government 272 cities; populations range from 500 � 900,000 Formed when community becomes more densely populated; residents decide to become a city in order to provide a full array of municipal services Before 1909 cities were usually incorporated by an act of the legislature Since 1980, all cities considered home rule cities To incorporate as a city, must have population over 2000; average density is 500 people/square mile Boundary changes must be submitted to State Boundary commission Cities have 20 mill limit for general operating; can levy city income tax Before 1909 cities were usually incorporated by an act of the legislature Since 1980, all cities considered home rule cities To incorporate as a city, must have population over 2000; average density is 500 people/square mile Boundary changes must be submitted to State Boundary commission Cities have 20 mill limit for general operating; can levy city income tax

50. Prior to Home Rule City Act Cities incorporated by special acts of the legislature, therefore the act organizing the city became the basic law for the city, any modification required legislative action

51. Home Rule Act 1909 (I) Constitution of 1908 mandated that the legislature pass such a law Legislature shall provide for by general law the incorporation of cities and villages Law shall limit their taxation, borrowing and contracting debts powers.

52. Home Rule Act 1909 (II) General Law shall further provide that electors of each city and village may frame, adopt, and amend its charter, and amend its existing charter granted by the legislature Empowered cities and villages to pass laws and ordinances relating to its municipal concerns subject to the constitution and general laws of the state.

53. City Government Cities have flexibility in structure, taxing powers, writing ordinances Cities carry on same type of business as townships/villages�usually on larger scale; responsible for: Assessing property Collecting taxes Conducting elections

54. City Government All cities in Michigan are Home Rule Cities but arrived at their status through two avenues: Home Rule City Act or Fourth Class Cities Act (1980)

55. Leadership for City Government Each city charter determines form of government; options: Council-manager Strong mayor-council Weak mayor-council Charter establishes election process for city officials Election dates (April or November of odd years) Usually four-year terms Usually non-partisan Positions: council members, and, depending on charter, mayor, clerk and treasurer Council manager�council makes policy decisions; manager administers day-to-day decisions; more than 175 cities have this form Strong mayor�mayor elected independently of council; mayor has administrative appointment powers; veto power over council decisions Weak mayor�mayor appointed by council; no central administration; basic design is village form of government Council manager�council makes policy decisions; manager administers day-to-day decisions; more than 175 cities have this form Strong mayor�mayor elected independently of council; mayor has administrative appointment powers; veto power over council decisions Weak mayor�mayor appointed by council; no central administration; basic design is village form of government

56. Types of City Services Sidewalks Police Zoning Sewers Libraries Streets

57. Authorities Special purpose governments defined by state law; constitution permits these and other cooperative agreements Provide services requiring large capital expenditures Mass transportation Recreational facilities Wastewater treatment Facilitate long term investments Airports Ports Public utilities Participating governments usually appoint members to governing bodies of authorities or districts. Participating governments usually appoint members to governing bodies of authorities or districts.

58. Intergovernmental Cooperation State constitution gives: Local governments ability to enter into agreements with other political units Legislature power to create metropolitan authorities Local governments ability to cooperate in execution of �any functions or powers which they could perform separately.� Examples: Language in planning and zoning acts allowing for cooperative study Joint agreements on recreational facilities, police and fire services, contracts between municipal corporations, etc. Regional planning commissions This is an issue receiving far more discussion in recent years, in part because of difficult budget situations at the state and local level.This is an issue receiving far more discussion in recent years, in part because of difficult budget situations at the state and local level.

59. How Do We Pay For Local Government? Property tax Special Assessment Revenues from the state Federal monies Other � fees, permits, grants, etc. Option for cities�income tax Amount of dependence on each of these varies greatly among units of government. For counties it is approximately 45-60% from property tax; 12-20% from state/federal; charges for county services, 14-18% Amount of dependence on each of these varies greatly among units of government. For counties it is approximately 45-60% from property tax; 12-20% from state/federal; charges for county services, 14-18%

60. Property TaxBasic Facts Started with Northwest Ordinance Used for cities, counties, townships, schools, villages, authorities, community colleges Primarily a local tax; there is also a state property tax for schools Property tax rate�mill--$1/$1,000 of State Equalized Value (SEV) Property tax is millage rate x taxable value As a result of the adoption of Proposal A in 1994, taxable value is capped at rate of inflation or 5 % per year, whichever is less. This results in disparate growth in tax base. Taxable value is now 80% of state equalized value. The gap grows with low property turnover or fast growing market value.As a result of the adoption of Proposal A in 1994, taxable value is capped at rate of inflation or 5 % per year, whichever is less. This results in disparate growth in tax base. Taxable value is now 80% of state equalized value. The gap grows with low property turnover or fast growing market value.

61. Public Debt and Borrowing Public bodies (local gov�t) have the power to borrow money and to issue securities (Constitution)

62. Financial Emergency Local Govt Fiscal Responsibility Act (Act 72 of 1990) Conditions to call for Financial Emergency Undisputed claim, six months old+, exceeding $10,000 Petition to state treasurer form 10% of registered voters Pension beneficiaries, actuary or accountant reports violation of pension deposits Local employees have been unpaid for at least 7 days Resolution fro state Senate or House Notice of unpaid bond principal and/or interest Local govt has not distributed taxes owed to other govt. Fails to provide financial audit or report to state

63. Financial Emergency State appoints Financial Emergency Manager Amend or override local budget Make plans for debt repayment May override decisions of local governing body concerning finances May renegotiate but not eliminate local collective bargaining agreements

64. Accounting and Auditing for local Gov�t All financial records, accounting, audit reports and other reports of public money shall be public records and open to inspection (Art IX $23) Uniform Budget and Accounting Act (Act 2 of 1968) Specifies how local gov�t must act with regards to finances, budget and financial reporting to state

65. Property Tax Limitations Headlee Amendment All tax increases must be voted on Tax collections limited to inflation (excluding new property), if exceeded must rollback millage Proposal A Taxable Value capped by inflation (Recent CPI 2-3%) Millage votes limited to two per year for same question Cannot rollup millage when growth less than inflation Headlee/Proposal A Interaction Uncapping of property causes �Headlee Rollback� Disproportionate affect on older industrialized areas The last slide of Property Taxes is just a summary slide on the limitations that Headlee Amendment All tax increases must be voted on Tax collections limited to inflation (excluding new property), if exceeded must rollback millage Proposal A Taxable Value capped by inflation (Recent CPI 2-3%) Millage votes limited to two per year for same question Cannot rollup millage when growth less than inflation Headlee/Proposal A Interaction Uncapping of property causes �Headlee Rollback� Disproportionate affect on older industrialized areas The last slide of Property Taxes is just a summary slide on the limitations that Headlee Amendment All tax increases must be voted on Tax collections limited to inflation (excluding new property), if exceeded must rollback millage Proposal A Taxable Value capped by inflation (Recent CPI 2-3%) Millage votes limited to two per year for same question Cannot rollup millage when growth less than inflation Headlee/Proposal A Interaction Uncapping of property causes �Headlee Rollback� Disproportionate affect on older industrialized areas

66. Headlee Amendment 1978 Voters must approve: Increase in property or other local taxes Creation of new taxes not authorized by law or charter prior to 1978 Assessed valuation may not increase more than rate of inflation in preceding year Excludes value of new construction Assessed valuation limit= (old assessed valuation * inflation) + assessed value of new construction If limit is exceed, rollback of millage (property tax) rate occurs to enforce limit Limit does not apply to taxes imposed for payment of debt

67. Reforms of Proposal A (1994) Established Taxable Value as the base for levying property tax Growth in TV capped at the rate of inflation, or 5% per year, whichever is less (Separates SEV from Taxable Value) Property is uncapped and set equal to SEV when property is transferred

68. Home Rule Cities and Villages 20 mills but charter establishes the limit 23 cities levy an income tax; no authority for other locals to levy income tax

69. State FundsMake up about 1/3 total revenue for local units 41.6% of state budget goes to local government; comes from: Single Business Tax State Sales Tax Transportation Taxes State revenue sharing for cities and townships. Elimination in 2004 for cities and townships. There are several cost sharing arrangement between state and locals�.e.g. mental health, courtsState revenue sharing for cities and townships. Elimination in 2004 for cities and townships. There are several cost sharing arrangement between state and locals�.e.g. mental health, courts

70. Federal Monies for Local Governments Relationship has changed over the years--greater policy impact in certain areas (schools, health care, transportation) About 25% of state budget and 11% of local budgets come from federal level Money mostly goes to individual citizens Job training Medicaid, etc.

71. City Income Tax Option for cities�22 presently levy this tax Direct tax on income for residents; tax on earnings for nonresidents Rate: generally 1% for residents and corporations; .5% for nonresidents (higher rates for Detroit)

72. How can YOU be more involved with local government? Read, pay attention to local issues Vote in local elections Attend public meetings Talk with public officials Get involved with a committee regarding an issue you care about Apply for appointment to a local board or commission Run for public office Note: use this slide to generate discussion about what participants can do to be more involved with local government policy making.Note: use this slide to generate discussion about what participants can do to be more involved with local government policy making.

73. Planning Commission Zoning Commission Human Relations Commission Housing Commission Transportation Commission Road Commission Parks & Recreation Commission Local Boards & CommissionsPossibilities for Citizen Involvement Contact the local clerk for more information about getting appointed to these commissions or boardsContact the local clerk for more information about getting appointed to these commissions or boards

74. Questions for Discussion Does Michigan have too many units of local government? What do we expect from local government? Are we willing to pay for those expectations? Why does local government seem �invisible�? How have the changing relationships in recent years between different levels of government affected the local units in your area? What seem to be the most difficult issues facing local governments in your area?

75. More Questions for Discussion What are some of the possibilities for intergovernmental cooperation? What might be the barriers? What are the influences and connections with non-governmental sectors of the community (foundations, industry, etc.)? How can citizens play a more active role?

76. Authors This presentation prepared by�Dr. Eric Scorsone MSU Extension, State and Local Government Program (scorsone@msu.edu) Major source for this work�Beth Moore MSU Extension Specialist and the writings of Dr. Lynn Harvey, Professor Emeritus, MSU Dept. of Agricultural Economics (Harveyl@msu.edu) Additional contribution�John Amrhein, State and Local Government Educator, MSU Extension (Amrhein@msu.edu)