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Wixom going for 3.5-mill levy on November ballot
The Wixom City Council voted Tuesday, Aug. 21 to place a new millage ballot question for municipal operations before voters during the Nov. 6 general election.
Voters will be asked whether the Wixom City Charter should be amended to allow a new dedicated levy beginning July 2013 of 3.5 mills (equal to $3.50 on each $1,000 of taxable value) for four years to provide funds for city operating purposes, including police and fire, public works, and parks and recreation services.
The owner of a city property with a taxable value of $100,000 ($200,000 market value) would pay $350 in the first year of the new millage collection.
“In the event the ballot proposal passes, we will still continue to change how we operate and reduce costs, there’s no question about that,” said City Manager Mike Dornan. “The goal is to maintain services and reduce costs.”
A resolution calling for ballot question was adopted by the majority of the council in 6-1 vote, with only Councilwoman Lori Rich opposing the initiative.
“I don’t think we’ve adequately listened to the community’s concerns and fully developed a plan, which takes time, so I think something on the February ballot would be best,” Rich said.
However, a special election in February would cost the city between $5,000 and $6,000.
“If we wait until February, we would have to pay and we’re trying save money so that doesn’t make sense,” said Deputy Mayor Jim Cutright. “We do have a plan — a three-year budget that’s ongoing and changes every year, but it’s a plan in effect. We will still be looking at other measures to be financially responsible. Everything is open for discussion.”
The council had already voted to cut five items from the budget in the wake of the Aug. 7 primary election defeat of a millage cap increase, including the elimination of the finance clerk position, cutting overtime leaf collection, capital outlay, and capital improvements, as well as leaving vacant police sergeant positions unfilled. Those cuts will remain in place if the millage passes.
The city is facing an estimated deficit of over $1.7 million in 2013, $2.1 million in 2014, $2.5 million in 2015, and $2.6 million in 2016, for a total deficit over four years of $8.98 million.
The millage would generate over $2.2 million per year or $8.85 million over a four-year period.
“The four-year deficit does not include the potential for the loss of personal property taxes if the state were to eliminate and not replace them,” Dornan said. “That would be an additional loss of 19 percent in revenue.”
“I support it (the millage proposal) 100 percent,” Cutright said. “Four years at 3.5 mills is the best way to go and will give us a presidential election (voter turnout level) and is the best representation of the city voting for it.”
According to Dornan, out of 31 Oakland County communities studied, Wixom currently has the 10th lowest tax rate and would be ranked 15th lowest should the millage pass.
City officials intend to hold several town hall meetings to answer questions about the ballot proposal.
6 Responses to Wixom going for 3.5-mill levy on November ballot
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Bob
August 29, 2012 at 7:50 pm
Be strong Wixom residents! this is another tactic to maintain the status quo. Wixom government is fat. The only way to lose weight is to cut down. Wixom has not done that and if this is voted in, will continue wasteful ways.
Stan
August 30, 2012 at 6:59 am
My taxes have gone down about $1200 over the last four years. I have no problem paying a couple hundred dollars a year to maintain the great services I have. As far as “fat” government, Wixom has 12 less employees than it had 10 years ago. Compare to surrounding communities and you will see that they are actually running the government quite “lean”.
Nancy Dingeldey (the 'has been-wanna be")
September 1, 2012 at 1:31 pm
There’s still more that can be done to cut the deficit…cutting sooner than later would/could have been more effective. Obviously the writing was on the wall but it appears the council chose to turn a blind eye to the economic situation building in Wixom. While still on the council and aware of foreclosures in the city, I was told, “Wixom’s dodged the bullet.” It appears we/the city budget was hit with a torpedo!
ROBERT
September 2, 2012 at 5:54 am
I agree with the last post. There is plenty to cut. They should start with non-essential services such as the senior center. Next on the chopping block should be the entire Parks and Rec department..Having fireworks and rib roasts sends a bad message when you are crying poor mouth. Don’t throw a party when you can’t afford it. Even if there are sponsors,,there is still a cost to the City to have the event. Next thing to cut would be leaf pick up. This is a perk that you can’t find in most communities. Snow removal is important but we don’t need the streets plowed when there is one inch on the ground..again a nice perk but can be scaled back. Lastly you need to look at contracting Police and Fire service. Response time may suffer a bit and we may not get the same quality of service but these are tough times and everyone needs to be realistic. Good luck!
Nancy (the 'has been-wanna be")
September 2, 2012 at 10:14 pm
Yes, Robert, there are places for cuts and you do make some fine points. However, the cost of running the senior center would be a minor cut since there is a revenue stream from Walled Lake for their seniors who attend. Leaf pick up began after the city instituted a leaf burning ban. Operations are run by the DPW; they have the equipment for the job and the only real cost is overtime. I don’t know the cost of the city concert series and even with those great sponsors, I would think that they could be held once or twice a month rather than every week. Snow is one of those things we have to deal with and the plowing schedule is one that deserves attention…investigate how, when, why and then act. Contracting police service is one area that should be approached with an internal audit for efficiencies and outcomes. Yes, the millage request has been lowered but there is still work that needs to be done. It would be great if life could go on as it did in the past, but our city leaders must understand the changes they need to make to join the current world..
Robert
September 4, 2012 at 8:27 pm
Obviously you are a former Wixom politician due to your knowledge of the budget and the workings of the City. As a businessman I can tell you that every cut is significant. You can’t pick and choose based on emotion or political agenda. If cutting the senior center saves 20k then you do it..period. I am saddened that our current and former City “leaders” have turned this crisis into a low level hillbilly witch hunt. There is obviously a second agenda going on..very sad and petty.