Proposal to Increase Local Funding Narrowly Passes

By Sophia Adams

MASON, Mich. — A ballot proposal that would increase the amount of money Ingham County is allowed to collect from taxpayers narrowly passed on Election Day.

Countywide, the measure passed by fewer than 100 votes. Stockbridge voters offered decisive opposition to the measure, with 187 no votes versus 95 yes votes. And in Bunkerhill Township, the measure overwhelming failed, with 119 no votes cast against 33 yes’s.

The Ingham County Commission proposed the Tax Limitation ballot proposal in an effort shore up ongoing budget shortfalls, partially caused by a recent $2.2 million required increase in payments to the county’s pension plan. Earlier this year, the uptick in pension payments triggered a countywide hiring freeze across most departments.

For the year 2018, the country controller recommended levying the statutory maximum–equal to 6.4206 mils–to continue funding all programs at current levels, but still faces $3.4 million shortfall.

The Tax Limitation ballot proposal would inject a projected $2.77 million into county coffers by raising the amount the county is allowed to tax residents from 6.4206 mils to 6.8 mils. According to the Ingham County Clerk’s office, this increase would amount to an additional $18.97 on a home with a taxable value of $50,000. Typically, the taxable value of a home is one-half of its market value.

In addition to the extra cash this proposal will generate for the county, Ingham County townships and intermediate school districts (ISDs) will see an increase in their tax limits. Currently townships are capped at 0.7438 – 0.9161 mil. They will see an increase to 1 mil. ISDs, currently capped at 7.3538 – 7.5261 mils will be allowed to tax up to 8.0 mils.

These changes would impact both Stockbridge and Bunkerhill townships, as well as the Ingham County Intermediate School District, which includes Stockbridge Community Schools.