POLICE & FIRE PROTECTION ASSESSMENTS
Senate Bill 307 (Substitute H-1)
Sponsor: Sen. Steven Bieda
House Committee: Local Government
Senate Committee: Local Government and Elections
Complete to 12-8-14
A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 307 (H-1) AS REPORTED FROM HOUSE COMMITTEE
Public Act 33 of 1951 allows townships, incorporated villages, and "qualified cities" to levy a special assessment for police and fire protection. Senate Bill 307 (H-1) would amend the definition of "qualified city" in order to allow any city to be eligible. However, in a qualified city with a population of 15,000 or more, both the question of raising money by means of a special assessment and the amount of that assessment would have to be approved by voters.
Current Definition
The current definition of "qualified city" in PA 33 is:
o A city with a population of less than 15,000; or
o A city with a population of 15,000 or more and less than 70,000 located in a county with a population of more than 200,000 and less than 235,000, if voters approve raising money by special assessment and the amount of the assessment to be levied annually. (This provision was added in 2004 and applies only to Saginaw; however, that city's population is reportedly in danger of falling below the threshold.)
New Definition
Under the bill a "qualified city" would be:
o A city with a population of less than 15,000; or
o A city with a population of 15,000 or more, if voters approve raising money by special assessment and the amount of the assessment to be levied annually.
Under the bill, this second category of city would be prohibited from levying a special assessment under the act after December 31, 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill would alter the definition of "qualified city" to include a greater number of cities that could use special assessments for police and fire protection. It is up to local units whether or not to use this authority. For the cities being added, voter approval would be required for the use of special assessments for this purpose.
POSITIONS:
The Michigan Municipal League supports the bill. (12-4-14)
Legislative Analyst: J. Hunault
■ 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.