CONSOLIDATION By TIM ALBERTA Capital News Service LANSING—Legislation promoted as a way to cut expenses at the local and state level is being denounced overwhelmingly by township officials. The proposed legislation calls for 95 percent of the state’s townships to shift their property assessments, election organization and tax collections to the county level. Elk Rapids Township Supervisor William White said the bill doesn’t make sense because townships are getting the job done—and doing it inexpensively. “Townships are doing a good job—they’re much more connected with the local people,” White said. “Everything is more cost-effective at the township level. “I saw a recent report from Michigan State University saying the consolidation wouldn’t save money, it would actually cost more,” he said. The report is an independent study done by MSU’s Local and State Government program to determine the effect of transferring property assessment services to counties. It said that townships currently spend $14.7 million each year on property assessment services. If counties took over those services, it would cost an estimated $16.1 million, according to the study. But the bill’s sole sponsor, Rep. Paul Condino, D-Southfield, questioned the accuracy of the MSU analysis. “I’ve heard about the study that said it would cost more, but I’m certainly not buying it,” he said. “I don’t think it would cost townships any more money at all. I just think some of these township folks are worried about protecting their jobs.” White said the legislation would strip townships of duties they perform efficiently and effectively.
“There wouldn’t be much left for the township to do, and the township would end up paying for the county to do it,” White said. “If there are any extra costs on the county, the township has to pay them. “If it’s going to cost more money than it does now, then why would we change?” The Michigan Townships Association says total costs to taxpayers would increase rather than decrease if the bill were signed into law. Association legislative liaison David Bertram called it “an absolute direct attack on township government” and said MTA was “outraged and insulted” by its introduction. “It’s radical legislation that strips more than 90 percent of the state’s townships of tax collections, elections and assessing,” Bertram said. Maxine Berman, director of special projects for Gov. Jennifer Granholm, said that many people have overreacted to the idea of merging services. “I think everybody has to calm down and take a good, careful look at what the best way is for people to provide for their constituents,” she said. “I support the consolidation and collaboration of services, but the governor has not yet taken a stance on this particular bill.” Berman said she understands the townships’ concern about lost jobs, but said, “You have to look at the greater good. “There are very few township employees. I talked with officials and the number was remarkably small considering there are more than 1,200 townships in Michigan.” White said he’s talked with many of his counterparts around the state, and none favor the proposal, adding, “It’s unanimous that things should stay at the township level.” Bertram said the change would victimize township employees and hand over responsibilities to people not in touch with the needs of their communities.
“This package shows a lack of respect and appreciation for dedicated public servants who serve not for a paycheck or the power—they serve because they care about the community they call home,” he said. Condino said he’s heard objections about the bill from only one group. “The only people I’ve heard complaining are elected township officials,” he said, adding, “their constituents want us to lower the cost of government.” But Bertram said Condino is in no position to make such a claim. “Condino doesn’t even have any townships (in his district), so it’s very bold of him to put up a bill like this,” Bertram said. “This affects no one in his district, yet this bill would affect practically every township in the state. “I can tell you there’s a lot of people concerned about it beyond township officials.” Bertram also said, “Many counties are against this because they know they would have to hire more workers, which is another added cost for them. Most counties don’t even have room for new employees.” White said his county is one of them. “Our Antrim County government has come out and opposed it. They just don’t have the room to bring all those things over there.” Condino acknowledges that he doesn’t expect the bill to pass—for now, anyway. “But I hope we continue to have this debate,” he said. “Many future consolidations could make government more efficient at a lower cost to the state and its residents.” The bill remains before the House Committee on Intergovernmental, Urban and Regional Affairs.