Insider Intelligence

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks announced $2.7 million is being awarded to 16 municipalities through the Financially Distressed Cities, Villages, and Townships (FDCVT) Grant Program. Locals are eligible for the program if they are experiencing one or more conditions indicative of “probable financial stress” as defined in state law. The grants can be used to fund […]

Sponsored by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, a survey was conducted of local governments in order to better understand local officials’ perceptions of the costs, benefits, and likelihood of collaboratively engaging in sustainability activities. The survey also looked at recycling programs. The survey results include: 44% have considerable interest in pursuing collaborations […]

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks announced two new grant programs, providing $300 million to help first responders receive hazard pay and reimburse local governments for payroll costs incurred due to the pandemic. Effective immediately, eligible local units of government can apply for a grant from the First Responder Hazard Pay Premiums Program and the Public Safety […]

Installing solar panels on a home or business could no longer increase property taxes under legislation approved by the Senate this week. Currently, some communities charge higher property taxes on homes and buildings after they have installed solar panels. However, this practice varies by community. This proposal would create a consistent law across the state […]

On the heels of Proposal 3 of 2018, legislation was introduced this week that will help local governments respond to the anticipated decrease of in-person voters. Introduced by Representative Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), the bill would allow a local city or township to expand the size of its election precincts to account for the drop-off in […]

Under legislation introduced this week, public safety personnel could be appointed to local planning commissions. Introduced by Representative Annette Glenn (R-Williams Twp.), the bill allows local government officials to appoint volunteer and paid on-call police officers, firefighters, and medical first responders to local planning commissions. Current law bans volunteer and on-call public safety personnel from […]

Legislation was introduced this week giving local governments authority to levy their own taxes to help pay for infrastructure improvements. The bipartisan package was introduced by Representative Jack O’Malley (R-Lake Ann) and Representative Tim Sneller (D-Burton). The proposal allows a local government to put on the ballot a registration fee or excise fuel tax, which […]

This week, the House Regulatory Reform Committee approved two bills regarding the use and safety of consumer fireworks in Michigan. Introduced by Representative Jim Lilly (R-Park Twp.), the legislation is in response to issues that have come up after the legislature voted in 2011 to legalize consumer fireworks. The first bill aims to enhance the […]