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Harper Woods adopts 17.5-mill special assessment to fund police, fire; council hears residents call for ballot vote
Summary
After a public hearing with multiple residents urging a ballot vote and questioning city spending, the Harper Woods City Council adopted a special assessment district levy of 17.5 mills (8.75 for police and 8.75 for fire) to fund public safety operations.
The Harper Woods City Council held a public hearing and then adopted a resolution continuing a special assessment district that levies 17.5 mills on taxable value to fund police and fire operations: 8.75 mills for police and 8.75 mills for fire.
During the public hearing, several residents urged that the assessment go to the ballot, questioned transparency about prior spending, and urged spending reductions. City staff and council members responded that the assessment has been in place for 13 years following the Great Recession, that the funds are restricted by state law to police and fire items, and that without the assessment the city would face immediate layoffs and deep cuts to public safety. Officials said the levy has been reduced from prior years and described ongoing plans to lower taxes over time as new development increases revenue.
City staff estimated the assessment yields roughly $4 million to support police and fire costs, including equipment and dispatch services. Council members said the levy cannot be used for unrelated general-fund purposes by law. After discussion the council voted to adopt the attached resolutions and directed the assessor to spread the levy on taxable value within city limits.
