UAW Local 889 leaders confront Oakland County officials over assessment rate hikes

On April 23, 2025, the Oakland County Finance Committee convened to discuss significant proposed increases in assessing rates that have sparked widespread concern among local municipalities. The meeting highlighted a growing tension between the county and its cities, villages, and townships, as officials voiced their opposition to what many described as exorbitant and unsustainable rate hikes.

Joe Roselle, second vice president of UAW Local 889, opened the public comments by criticizing the county's approach to assessing services, likening it to "union busting." He argued that the proposed triple-digit increases in assessment contracts would jeopardize the jobs of approximately 38 UAW members and undermine the quality of services provided to local communities. Roselle emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent and impartial assessment process, warning that privatization could lead to a decline in service quality.

Mike Swain, a unit vice chair of the UAW, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the proposed rate increases were retaliatory measures against unionized workers. He highlighted the potential negative impact on county revenue due to errors that could arise from hiring less qualified personnel if assessing services were contracted out. Swain called for a reevaluation of the proposed rates, advocating for a tiered model that would phase in costs over time.

Several local officials, including Sean Miller, the clerk of Springfield Township, and Ethan Hahn, finance director of Huntington Woods, expressed their discontent with the lack of communication from the county regarding the proposed increases. Miller characterized the proposal as a "calculated money grab" that could lead to a loss of partnerships between the county and municipalities. Hahn noted that the county's historical collaboration with local governments was at risk due to the abrupt nature of the proposed changes.

The meeting also featured discussions about the financial implications for smaller communities. George Kulis, Holly Township supervisor, questioned the rationale behind the steep increases, pointing out that many municipalities operate on tight budgets and cannot absorb such costs. Linda Cunath, representing Madison Heights, highlighted the drastic increase from $237,787 to over $410,000 for assessing services, labeling it "unreasonable and unacceptable."

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the proposed rate increases were not only a financial burden but also a potential threat to the collaborative spirit that has historically characterized the relationship between Oakland County and its municipalities. Many speakers urged the Finance Committee to reconsider the proposal, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and a more equitable approach to funding assessing services.

In conclusion, the Finance Committee's discussions on April 23 revealed deep-seated concerns about the proposed increases in assessing rates and their potential impact on local communities. As officials continue to voice their opposition, the committee faces the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to maintain strong partnerships with the municipalities it serves. The outcome of this proposal could have lasting implications for the future of local governance in Oakland County.