General Summary #

The workshop was convened to discuss the legal and structural changes required for the Police Special Assessment. Due to changes in PA 33 of 1954, the State of Michigan now mandates that fire and police special assessments must be based on taxable value, rendering the township's previous flat-rate method no longer compliant.

The Board, alongside legal counsel and police leadership, deliberated on several implementation strategies. Discussions included the distinction between residential and business districts, the impact on commercial properties, and the potential for creating a millage rate for improved property. The group also considered the timing of placing these questions on a ballot and how to bridge the revenue gap between the police millage and the special assessment.

Who #

  • Tim Elkins, Supervisor
  • Cindy Shields, Clerk
  • Pat Miller, Treasurer
  • Matthew Karr, Trustee
  • Travis Howell, Trustee
  • David Lattie, Attorney
  • Rick Freeman, Chief of Police
  • Jerry Harris, Deputy Chief of Police

What #

  • Police Special Assessment Discussion: Supervisor Elkins and Attorney Lattie presented the new requirements under PA 33 of 1954, which prohibit flat-rate assessments. The Board discussed various options for future assessments, including DDA district boundaries, the impact on various parcel types, and the potential for including fire services in future assessments or millages.
  • Decision: The Board reached a consensus to maintain the Police Special Assessment and to place a question regarding a Police Millage renewal or increase on the November 2019 ballot.

When #

  • Workshop Date: February 14, 2019
  • Target Ballot Date: November 2019

Where #

  • Davison Township Municipal Building, 1280 N. Irish Road, Davison, MI 48423

Why #

  • To ensure compliance with the State of Michigan's mandate that police and fire special assessments be calculated based on taxable value rather than a flat rate.

Action Items #

  • Calculation Exploration: Supervisor Tim Elkins is tasked with exploring how to calculate the special assessment using adjustable millage rates.
  • Follow-up Meetings: The Board agreed that additional workshops will be required to continue the discussion.

Legal/Regulatory #

  • PA 33 of 1954: State legislation regarding the calculation of fire and police special assessments.