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Council divided over whether to take a public position on Southfield school millage
Summary
Lathrup Village councilmembers debated whether the city should adopt a resolution taking a position on a Southfield City School millage; some members warned about precedent and relations with the district while others argued the council should speak on measures that materially affect residents.
Councilmembers spent significant time debating whether Lathrup Village should adopt a formal resolution expressing a position on a Southfield City School millage placed on the ballot.
Opponents of taking a formal stance expressed concern about precedent and about the council appearing to direct residents' votes. "This is the city as a whole rather than not... two people saying no, the city as a whole saying we don't like this," one councilmember said, cautioning that a non-unanimous vote could make the city appear to oppose the school district.
Proponents argued the council has a role when an external measure will have material impacts on the city and suggested alternative language that asks the school district to consider funding approaches that do not disproportionately affect certain communities. Councilmembers discussed routing concerns through letters, resolutions or informational materials but did not reach a final vote in the portion of the transcript provided and agreed to resume the debate in the regular meeting.
Next steps: council to continue the discussion when motions are made during the regular meeting and to consider revised language that might express concerns or request alternatives rather than an unequivocal oppose/endorse position.
