What You Should Know About the Public Safety Millage Renewal on the Ballot Nov. 8th

  Public Safety is a growing concern throughout the City of Flint and across the country. Crime is not just a police problem and fire safety is not just the firefighters’ problem, these issues affect the entire community which makes them everyone’s problem. Flint leaders say this is why it is extremely important to implement measures to help ensure the public security and safety of those who live and work in the city.

On Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, voters will decide on a ballot proposal to renew the city’s public safety millage in order to maintain funding for fire and police services. This proposal is a renewal of a 6-mill proposal approved by voters in 2012.

The Public Safety millage was approved to stabilize the city’s public safety departments, which were being supported primarily by grants that were set to expire. Due to decisions made by previous city officials including Emergency Managers, current city leaders are unable to speak with 100% certainty regarding the utilization of millage funds prior to accepting of appointment. However, we can ensure that as we move forward this administration will be accountable to the residents we serve and will work to do what’s in their best interest.

The support for this millage is critical to the stability of our police and fire departments, and is needed to continue to provide the level of protection our citizens deserve. This millage will assist in supporting our current firefighters, equip and train the 33 SAFER Grant funded firefighters, support the approximately 50 police officers answering 911 calls, and enable the city to replace worn and dilapidated equipment for firefighters and police officers.

In renewing this millage, homeowners will continue to pay the exact same amount in property taxes as in the previous years. There will be NO increase in taxes paid. For homeowners in the City of Flint with a taxable value of $35,000, the 6-mills equates to just under $18 per month to support fire and police departments.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov.8th. Absentee ballot applications are available as at the City Clerk’s Office, 1101 S. Saginaw Street. For questions on voter eligibility, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (810) 766-7414, ext. 24.

public-safety-millage-info-2016

THE BALLOT QUESTION:

Shall Section 7-201(A) of the City of Flint be amended to renew the existing millage

of 6 mils ($6.00 per $1,000.00) on the taxable valuation as final equalized, from

July 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021, for the sole purpose of funding police and

fire protection? It is estimated that six (6) mills would raise approximately

$3,503,464.00 in the first year of renewal.