Commission confirms downtown maintenance assessment rule after business concerns

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to confirm special assessment rule 25-04 for the downtown maintenance program after a second public hearing that drew concerns from downtown business owners.

A number of proprietors and commissioners said that many businesses are unclear about the services covered by the assessment and the value they receive. "I'm uncomfortable voting to put this assessment in place and take money out of their pocket when it's been, you know, there's been many things that have been rough for them this year," a commissioner told colleagues during the hearing.

Business owners described assessments that, for some properties, can amount to roughly $12,000 annually. Commissioners and staff discussed options to reduce near-term burden, including tapping down the target fund balance, changing billing to semiannual installments, and re-bidding landscape or sweeping services next year. Staff noted the current contract began as a three-year bid and has been extended; going back to open bidding in some categories could increase costs in the short term.

The commission agreed to approve the rule for this season to maintain downtown cleanliness and safety, and directed staff and the DDA director to schedule additional outreach and a DDA meeting to explain service details and solicit business input before next year's bid cycle. During the roll call the motion carried (a No vote was recorded for Commissioner Dempsey).

What's next: Staff will send more explicit informational materials to downtown property owners, consider a six-month billing option to ease cash-flow pressure, and bring the matter to the DDA for broader discussion and potential revisions prior to future bidding.