The Wayne County Commission on a voice vote adopted a resolution calling on Congress, the state of Michigan and local municipalities to preserve the federal tax-exempt status of municipal bonds, which the commission said is essential to financing local infrastructure without increasing costs for taxpayers.

Commissioner Dobbs, presenting the item, said: “This resolution calls upon Congress to preserve the tax exempt status of municipal bonds to support critical local infrastructure without burdening taxpayers with higher costs.” The resolution was introduced on behalf of commissioners Daub and Marecki and moved by Commissioner Dobbs; Commissioner Marecki was recorded as a supporter during the floor discussion. The motion carried on a voice vote; no roll-call tally was reported in the public record.

Why it matters: Proponents said the resolution is a preemptive measure. Key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 are scheduled to expire after Dec. 31, 2025, and commissioners said that some proposals floated publicly could affect the tax treatment of municipal debt. The National Association of Counties, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and the Conference of Western Wayne were cited as organizations advocating for county priorities during the federal reconciliation process.

Commissioner Marecki described the county’s action as precautionary, noting public commentary by an economist that listed options to pay for continued tax cuts and saying the local resolution signals how counties view preserving tax exemption. Commissioner Anderson asked that the resolution be open for additional county cosponsors; the chair opened the board for cosponsors following the approval.

No binding federal policy change resulted from the vote; the resolution is a formal expression of the commission’s position intended for transmission to state and federal lawmakers and relevant associations.