Proposal 1 There is a statewide ballot proposal on the August 5 ballot related to repeal of the personal property tax. The Township Board passed the following resolution related to Proposal 1:
Resolution Supporting Proposal 1 On The August 5, 2014 Ballot
WHEREAS, local governments in Michigan have struggled with unstable funding needed to provide services; and
WHEREAS, Michiganbusinesses have struggled with an uncompetitive tax on business; and
WHEREAS, small businesses and manufacturers power our economy and are the largest contributor to job growth in Michigan; and
WHEREAS, no other state in our region taxes business equipment the way Michigan does - and most of those states don't tax it at all, which makes Michigan significantly less competitive when it comes to job creation and business investment; and
WHEREAS, Michigan communities have struggled for years to pay for essential services like police, fire, ambulances, schools and jails; and
WHEREAS, Michigan communitieshave relied on this shrinking source of Personal Property Tax revenue to provide other community services as well, including roads, transportation and libraries; and
WHEREAS, with bipartisan support the Michigan Legislature has voted to reform the antiquated personal property tax to help increase Michigan's competitiveness with other states and remove an onerous tax that will allow more business investment and create more jobs while providing a stable revenue source for local communities; and
WHEREAS, this is not a constitutional amendment butthe state constitution requires Michigan voters to approve certain changes in local taxes; and
WHEREAS, local governments have struggled with unstable funding needed to provide services and business have struggled with an uncompetitive tax on equipment for years; and
WHEREAS, Proposal 1 on the August 5, 2014 ballot, will make Michigan more competitive, which will help local communities to attract more businesses and talent and create local jobs; and
WHEREAS, Proposal 1 is supported by the Michigan Municipal League, the Michigan Townships Association, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Michigan Association of Police Organizations, Michigan Community College Association, Michigan Farm Bureau, the Small Business Association of Michigan, Michigan Sheriffs Association, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Independent Businesses and the Michigan Manufacturers Association, among others; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees of Spring Lake Township hereby expresses its strong support for Proposal 1 to eliminate the unfair double tax and strengthen our communities. We urge our residents to vote YES on Proposal 1 on the August 5, 2014, ballot.
YES: Homan, Terpstra, Mierle, Boersma, Koster, Lindquist, Nash.
NO: None.
RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.
