COMPENSATION FOR

COMMUNITY CENTER DIRECTORS

Senate Bill 522 reported from committee w/o amendment

Sponsor:  Sen. Tom Casperson

House Committee:  Local Government

Senate Committee:  Local Government                              (Enacted as Public Act 61 of 2018)

Complete to 2-22-18

SUMMARY:

Senate Bill 522 would amend Public Act 199 of 1929, regarding community centers, to allow for compensation for the board of directors of a center.

Currently under the act, the board of directors may not receive compensation. The bill would delete this provision, and instead require the governing body of a village or township where a community center is located to determine, by resolution, the compensation of the board of directors of the center.

The bill would take effect 90 days after being enacted into law.

MCL 123.43

BRIEF BACKGROUND:

Public Act 199 of 1929 allows townships and villages with under 10,000 residents to establish, after a vote of the people, a community center for the benefit of the public and to levy up to 2 mills for the maintenance of a center and property or for the purchase of property for a center.

BRIEF DISCUSSION:

According to the bill’s supporters, the bill will allow, but not require, local governments to provide financial compensation for members of community center boards. Reportedly, positions on these boards can be difficult to fill and an offer of compensation could help recruit board members. Additionally, many other local government boards and commissions provide for certain member expenses, such as mileage reimbursements or meals; it is only fair that a community center board member be able to receive similar compensation.  

FISCAL IMPACT:

Senate Bill 522 would increase costs for villages and townships where the governing body of the village or township chose to provide compensation to the board of directors of the community center. Current law provides that the directors shall serve without compensation.

POSITIONS:

A representative of the Michigan Townships Association testified in support of the bill.

(2-7-18)

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Patrick Morris

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Ben Gielczyk

■ 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.