HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 1983.09.22 - 11789
Miscellaneous Resolution # 83272 September 22, 1983 BY: John P.
Calandro, Oakland County Commissioner--District #24
IN RE: OPPOSITION TO LEGISLATION COMBINING AMENDMENTS IMPLEMENTING
THE WAYNE COUNTY CHARTER WITH AMENDMENTS TO ACT 139 OF THE
PUBLIC ACTS OF 1973 To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Mr.
Chairperson, Ladies, and Gentlemen: WHEREAS, while Oakland and Wayne are the
state's two largest counties with both having the county executive form of
government, the similarity between the two neighboring counties for all practical
purposes seems to end here; and WHEREAS Oakland County opted for the county
executive form of government in 1974 under the provisions of the newly adopted
state law known as Act 139 of the Public Acts of 1973 and has requested and had
enacted some amendments to Act 139 as the need for change became apparent over
the years; and WHEREAS Wayne County voters adopted their charter which provides
for a county executive on November 3, 1981, and numerous bills implementing the
charter have been introduced in the legislature with many more to come later;
and WHEREAS Oakland County, having existed under Act 139 for nearly ten years,
has its county executive form of government in place and will seek changes in
the law if the Board of Commissioners determines that a change is needed; and
WHEREAS Wayne County, in contrast, is just beginning to put the pieces together
and will be seeking a constant flow of legislation in the coming years to implement
its charter; and WHEREAS Oakland is a growth area, having expanded its population
from 907,871 in 1970 to 1,011,793 in 1980 while Wayne is losing people, going
from 2,666,751 in 1970 to 2,337,891 in 1980; and WHEREAS Oakland, with its influx
of new residents, continues building a sound tax base while Wayne with its loss
of people and businesses is watching its tax base deteriorate; and WHEREAS Oakland
County's 27-member Board of Commissioners has displayed admirable fiscal
responsibility over the years while the 15-member Wayne County Board of
Commissioners has experienced ever increasing
year-end deficits that necessitate borrowing at high interest rates to avoid
payless paydays; and WHEREAS to confuse the distinct differences
in the operating formats between Oakland County and Wayne County may create
unnecessary difficulties. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners takes a position opposing any legislation that
would combine amendments implementing the Wayne County Charter with
amendments to Act 139. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution
be sent to all members of the State Legislature from Oakland County and
to the County's Legislative Agent. Mr. Chairperson, I move the adoption of
the foregoing resolution.
#83272 September 22, 1983
Committee. There were no objection.