Act 88 Tax Gets Final County Board OK

The Washtenaw County board of commissioners took a final vote at their Nov. 3, 2010 meeting to approve levying 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. As they did when the board took its initial vote on Oct. 20, three commissioners – Judge, Ouimet and Wes Prater – dissented, and Jessica Ping abstained, citing the fact that a recipient of the funds, Ann Arbor SPARK, is a client of hers. Rolland Sizemore Jr. was absent.

This brief was filed during the board meeting at the county administration building. A more detailed account of the meeting will follow: [link]