Economic Development Tax Gets Initial OK

At its Oct. 20, 2010 meeting, the Washtenaw County board of commissioners gave initial approval to levy an economic development tax of 0.043 mills. Known as the Act 88 millage, it is expected to generate roughly $611,266 annually and would cost homeowners $4.30 for every $100,000 of a home’s taxable value. Because Act 88 predates the state’s Headlee Amendment, it can be approved by the board without a voter referendum. The millage would be used to fund Ann Arbor SPARK, the Food System Economic Partnership, and other groups doing economic development work. Voting against the measure were commissioners Kristin Judge, Mark Ouimet and Wes Prater. Jessica Ping abstained, saying that Ann Arbor SPARK is a client of hers. The board is expected to take a final vote at its Nov. 3 meeting.

This brief was filed from the Washtenaw County boardroom. A more detailed report will follow: [link]