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Saginaw council approves ballot language for property tax‑cap amendment after public comments
Summary
After multiple public comments both for and against removing the dollar-amount cap on property taxes, the council approved ballot language to place a proposed charter amendment (Section 45) before voters.
City Council on June 8 adopted ballot language for a proposed charter amendment to Section 45 that would change the dollar‑amount cap on property taxes and send the question to voters.
The public‑comment period included multiple speakers on both sides of the issue. Gary Beckard criticized increases in municipal fees and said previous attempts to remove the dollar cap had failed because voters distrust how revenue would be spent: "You just waste money," he said during public comment. By contrast, John Millan and Charles Allen urged transparency but supported placing the question on the ballot; Millan cited recent grants and development that could expand the tax base and argued lifting the dollar cap could restore parks and recreation services.
Council discussion repeatedly returned to the need for better voter education and clear ballot language so residents understand how changes might affect their payments. The resolution approving ballot language passed on the consent/resolution calendar.
What happens next: The approved language will appear on the ballot; council and city staff and community groups indicated plans to provide additional public information and outreach before the election.
