Have no doubt about it, this is a quality of life issue In our community and whatever affects the City of Saginaw also has an effect on the entire county.

 

In 1978 the voters of the City of Saginaw cut the property tax cap from ten mills to seven and one-half mills. (Even though Michigan law allows up to twenty mills).

 

In 1978 they also put a monetary cap on the amount of funds that could be collected by the City of Saginaw equal to the amount collected in 1979. This amount was $3.8 million dollars. No other city in the United States - and probably the world - has a monetary cap on the amount of property tax that can be collected by a city.

 

The City Council has cut all of the fat out of the budget and has no other option than to cut essential services to the citizens. A projected budget for next year will mean several policemen and firemen positions would have to be eliminated, as well as an end to housing inspections, the tearing down of vacant houses and the end of other services. This, of course, would drive property values down and insurance rates up.

 

Right now, the City cannot collect any more property taxes no matter how much development comes to Saginaw.

 

The third question is a proposal to eliminate a provision in the City of Saginaw

Tax Code which would allow the City to levy three mills during an emergency.

This provision has never been used and should be eliminated.

 

If both tax caps are eliminated, it would cost a person with a home value of

$50,000 thirty cents ($30) per day and a person with a home valued at

$100,000 sixty cents ($.60) per day.

 

The voters of the City of Saginaw are urged to INVEST IN SAGINAW. VOTE YES! on the three Saginaw questioni. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. Vote YES on all three.

 

 

Jerry Ulrey, Labor Liaison

Saginaw Yes Campaign