This week, the House Local Government Committee took testimony on HB 1483, legislation that would phase out the newspaper publication requirement for public notices and transition the notices to the Internet.  This is a re-introduction from last session.

HB 4183 creates a tiered system for legal notices and phases them out over time. The legislation is vague, but the least “serious” notices would be considered Tier C. Tier A would include those notices that deal with property and finances.  Because these tiers are not defined in law, there is confusion as to what constitutes Tier A, B or C.  We are working to put together a document to explain each one and will push that out as soon as it is available.

There is a 10 year phase out of print publication notices and phases in online notices over that same period of time.  Tier A’s are posted in the newspapers the longest as they deal with property loss, taxes, etc.  Each 5 years the tiers are stepped down to the next level, removing one print publication notice, until they are all online by 2025.

The legislation allows local electors to hold a referendum to require continued publication in a newspaper. It allows local units to enter into contracts with media outlets for publication on their websites. The bill also requires archiving of public notices for five years.

Nikki Brown is a legislative associate for the League handling economic development and land use issues.  She can be reached at nbrown@mml.org.

A fire truck makes an emergency run over crumbling roads in Macomb County. Vote yes for safe roads on May 5.

(UPDATE: Free webinar on Proposal 1 is Friday for League members. Click here to sign up.)

As you may know, the Michigan Municipal League Board in January unanimously pledged support of Proposal 1 going to the voters on May 5.

Recently the League launched a web page geared toward Michigan’s cities and villages regarding Proposal 1. This web page provides community-specific information about Proposal 1 and its impact on municipalities.

The page has neutral, information-only documents regarding Proposal 1. It also has information on why the League believes you and your residents should vote yes, and documents showing projected road revenue and revenue sharing dollars should Proposal 1 pass.

The League’s page is also tied to the statewide campaign webpage that can be found at saferoadsyes.com.

A school bus travels over bumpy roads. Vote yes for safe roads on May 5.

Your support is essential in getting Proposal 1 passed. There are multiple ways you can help and here are some steps we hope you will take:

– Pass a resolution in support of Proposal 1. We have prepared a sample resolution for you here.

– Send an op-ed or letter to the editor to your local media. There are multiple letter samples to pick from here.

– Sign up at the official campaign website here.

If you have about Proposal 1 please contact the League’s John LaMacchia at 517-908-0303, jlamacchia@mml.org.

Matt Bach is director of media relations for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at mbach@mml.org.

Governor Snyder today unveiled his plans for handling the current year budget shortfall and the state’s 2016 fiscal year (FY16) budget.  Recognizing the difficulty that the State is experiencing given the current revenue forecasts, the Michigan Municipal League appreciates that funding for local governments was not targeted for additional reductions, but does note that there were other areas of the budget that received additional funding or where investment in new programs were proposed.

The announced plan maintains statutory revenue sharing at currently budgeted levels throughout the remainder of this fiscal year.  Constitutional payments, which automatically rise or fall based on sales tax receipts and only go to cities, villages and townships, are estimated to rise by 3% to $788 million for FY16. This growth represents a $23.8 million increase in the coming year. In addition, the Governor’s proposal continues the current year statutory revenue sharing scheme for cities, villages and townships into FY16 with a recommended $243 million.

The League continues to maintain that the state’s system of funding support for municipalities is broken and in need of reform and this budget proposal does not address that issue. However, considering the state predicts having $532.1 million in less revenue due to cashed-in business tax credits the League is encouraged that statutory revenue sharing remains whole and constitutional revenue sharing continues to increase.

For specific details on the budget proposal, please visit www.michigan.gov/budget. View the League media statement on the budget.

Chris Hackbarth is the League’s director of state affairs. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 and chackbarth@mml.org