County Board Takes Initial Vote on Tax Rate

Washtenaw County commissioners have given initial approval to the 2013 county general operating millage rate at 4.5493 mills – unchanged from the current rate. Their action took place at the county board’s May 15, 2013 meeting, with a final vote expected on June 5.

Several other county millages were authorized and are levied separately: emergency communications (0.2000 mills), the Huron Clinton Metroparks Authority (0.2146 mills), two for county parks and recreation (0.2353 mills and 0.2367 mills) and for the natural areas preservation program (0.2409 mills). That brings the total county millage rate to 5.6768 mills, a rate that’s also unchanged from 2012.

This is an annual procedural action, not a vote to levy new taxes. With a few minor exceptions, the county board does not have authority to levy taxes independently. Millage increases, new millages or an action to reset a millage at its original rate (known as a Headlee override) would require voter approval.

The board also voted to set a public hearing for the millage rate at its June 5 meeting. The rates would be included on the July tax bills for property owners in Washtenaw County.

This brief was filed from the boardroom of the county administration building, 220 N. Main in Ann Arbor. A more detailed report will follow: [link]