LIMIT COUNTY AGRICULTURE ADVANTAGES TAX

House Bill 4166 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Rick Outman

Committee:  Local Government

Complete to 4-14-15

SUMMARY:

Public Act 88 of 1913 allows any of Michigan's 83 county boards of commissioners to levy a special tax of up to five cents per $100 of taxable property to promote the agricultural or industrial advantages of the county or region, to put on an exhibition of products and industries, to increase trade and encourage immigration, and to advertise for tourism.

Currently, there is no county population threshold in the law.   House Bill 4166 would amend the act so this special tax could only be levied by the county commissioners in a county having a population over 325,000 and under 400,000.

[Note:  Only Washtenaw County, with a population of 344,791 in the 2010 U.S. Census, meets the requirement contained in the bill.]

MCL 46.161

FISCAL IMPACT:

As written, the bill would enable Washtenaw County to continuing levying this millage, which in December 2014 was 0.07 mills and generated just over $1.0 million. Although the statute allows for a maximum levy of 0.5 mills, Washtenaw County has historically levied a much smaller amount. 

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                               Fiscal Analysts:   Jim Stansell

                                                                                                                           Adam Desrosiers     

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