EMERGENCY SERVICES TO MUNICIPALITIES:

ORDINANCES ASSESSING FEES & ON FIRE PREVENTION

House Bill 5553

Sponsor:  Rep. Joe Hune

Committee:  Local Government and Urban Policy

Complete to 3-21-06

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5553 AS INTRODUCED 1-18-06

House Bill 5553 would amend Public Act 57 of 1988, which allows two or more municipalities to create a special authority to provide emergency services.  The bill would allow an authority to adopt ordinances regarding fire prevention, and also to adopt ordinances allowing the authority to assess fees to cover the costs of providing emergency services.

Under the act, the term "emergency services" means fire protection services, emergency medical services, police protection, and any other emergency health or safety services designated in the articles of incorporation of an authority.  The term "municipality" refers to a county, city, village, or township.

Currently under the law, two or more municipalities can incorporate authorities to provide emergency services.  The authorities, created by articles of incorporation, can levy property taxes; adopt bylaws and rules of administration; apply for and accept grants, loans or contributions from the federal and state government; enter into contracts; investigate emergency services requirements and programs; contract with consultants; and hire employees as the authority considers necessary to carry out its purposes. 

MCL 124.605 and 124.609

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on state government and an indeterminate fiscal impact on local governments.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Jan Wisniewski

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.