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Supervisors flag constraints after state caps rural levy; worry about county services and TIF changes
Summary
Board members said a change in state policy capped rural revenue and reduced the county's maximum levy, potentially constraining services; supervisors also discussed rumors about removing school districts from TIF and other bills affecting local governance.
During the Feb. 10 meeting supervisors raised concerns about recent state actions limiting rural revenue and lowering the county's maximum levy. Chair Don Stryker said county officials learned their rural maximum was capped and that the county’s maximum levy had effectively been reduced, which could limit local budgets.
"Our max levy for rural was $3.95… Well, because we're at $3.14, our max is now $3.14," Stryker said, adding the change is beginning to “hinder everything in the county” and could restrict what the county can fund. Board members said they are reviewing options and urged fiscal diligence.
Supervisors also discussed proposed state legislation affecting township governance and public-safety service arrangements. One visitor and board members expressed concern about a bill that would replace 911 service boards with local emergency management commissions and create a PSAP for every county; the visitor warned naming an elected sheriff as the responsible PSAP official may be problematic. The board agreed to monitor state proposals and, where appropriate, advocate for local interests.
