Politics & Government

Police and Fire Millage Renewal to Be Considered

Voters will consider a three-year millage renewal for police and fire operations, and capital equipment needs.

Voters in St. Clair Shores will consider a police and fire millage renewal on the Aug. 6 primary ballot, in addition to selecting candidates to advance to the general election in November. 

The language as it appears on the ballot:

"Shall the Charter of the City of St. Clair Shores be amended to authorize, for a period of three years, beginning July 1, 2014, the levy and collection of a new millage up to 2.0 mills per $1,000.00 of taxable valuation (2.0) of state taxable value which is estimated to produce $2,647,305.00 of collections in the first year to be exclusively used for the Police and Fire Department operations and guarantee that the City of St. Clair Shores employ no fewer than 90 personnel in the Police Department and no fewer than 50 personnel in the Fire Department."

According to the city, the current millage expires June 30, 2014. The millage, if approved, would cost the owner of an $150,000 home $150 a year. This is also the current rate residents are paying.

Revenue from the millage is meant to supplement the $21 million combined budgets for the police and fire departments. According to the city newsletter, the millage "takes pressure off the rest of the general fund allows the City to maintain other vital services."

While the city is asking for a renewal, the police and fire departments have taken steps to reduce expenses. The departments have cut 74 full-time budgeted positions in the past 13 years, according to the city. Additionally, department personnel have made concessions to healthcare benefits, and reduction of overtime, according to the city.


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