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Mount Clemens declines to support proposed 42¢ phone fee to fund county 911 upgrades
Summary
Commissioners debated a county proposal for a 42-cent per-device telephone charge to fund dispatch upgrades and ultimately voted 3–4 against a city resolution of support, citing timing, possible regressivity, and county accounting questions.
The Mount Clemens City Commission considered a resolution of support for a proposed 42-cent per-device telephone surcharge intended to fund countywide 911 dispatch upgrades but voted against the resolution after extended discussion about funding sources and timing.
Why it matters: The surcharge, if adopted countywide, would raise dedicated money for dispatch improvements across Macomb County. City staff and Chief Shipman said the county controls how the funds are ultimately spent and that ARPA (one-time federal recovery dollars) is not a sustainable fund source for ongoing dispatch operations.
What was said: Chief Shipman and Mr Johnson briefed commissioners that dispatch improvements are likely to occur whether or not Mount Clemens supports the surcharge, and that the county will audit allowable expenditures. Several commissioners expressed concern that the fee would add a recurring cost for households already coping with inflation; one commissioner said the county already has committed funds for dispatch upgrades and questioned whether the surcharge would supplant or supplement existing commitments.
Vote and result: By roll call the resolution failed, 3 in favor and 4 opposed. The transcript records 'Hammond, Crap, and Mener' voting yes; 'Campbell, Dempsey, Forier and Vorhees' voting no. With four no votes the resolution did not pass.
Next steps: Administration noted the county commission will make the ultimate decision; Mount Clemens will continue to monitor county deliberations and budget planning for dispatch services.
Ending: The commission moved on after the failed resolution; no local funding decision was taken.
