Attempt to Make DIA Funding Contingent on Other Counties Fails

(C. Proxmire, The Ferndale 115 News, June 12, 2012)

Oakland County Republican Angela River tried to stop the potential new tax that could come if Oakland County voters decide to support a 10 year 0.2 mil property tax to help fund the struggling Detroit Institute of Arts, by proposing an amendment making the Oakland County tax contingent upon what voters in Wayne and Macomb decide.

After the Commission voted May 17, 2012 to create a funding authority to put the tax on the ballot for Aug. 7, River waited until the June 7 meeting, to introduce an amendment that would keep Oakland County from collecting if the people if Wayne and Macomb County voters did not also approve a tax.

At the May 17 meeting there was over two hours worth of public comment on whether Oakland County should participate in creating a regional tax authority, much of the discussion in favor of the institution.  Even Republican County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said he wants the millage to go before the people.  The authority was approved.

On June 7, Commissioner Robert Gosselin of Troy spoke in opposition to Oakland County taxpayers supporting the DIA.  “It’s just clear that we could be stuck carrying the load and paying the bill again and Macomb County would walk away free.  Wayne County could walk away free, and here we are carrying the bill.”  He voted in favor of River’s amendment.

Commissioner Craig Covey of Ferndale opposed the amendment, stating “If the voters of Oakland County were to vote yes, this amendment could negate what the voters are saying.  It would, in effect, take way that right.”

The contingency-based amendment failed with 15 nays.  Every Democrat voted against it, as did six Republicans:  Bob Hoffman of White Lake, Bill Dwyer of Farmington Hills, Mike Gingell of Orion Twp., Kathy Crawford of Novi, David Potts of Birmingham and Tom Middleton of Clarkston.

Voters will be able to decide on August 7 if they are willing to pay .2 mil increase in property tax to fund the institute.  If passed, the levy would cost the owner of a $200,000 home $20 per year.  Thanks to another amendment introduced by River, if the millage passes, Oakland County residents will have free admission to the museum.

To read more, check out:

http://oaklandcounty115.com/2012/06/01/oakland-countyvoters-to-decide-on-dia-support/

Also, to learn more about County government check out the official Oakland County website www.oakgov.com.