HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2014.12.11 - 21612REQUESTING SUSPENSION
OF THE BOARD RULES FOR
IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION
UNDER NEW BUSINESS
Miscellaneous Resolution #14306
BY: Commissioners David Woodward, District #19
RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS — OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL 5977 PROHIBITING LOCAL
GOVERNMENT'S ABILITY TO ENACT COMMUNITY COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
ORDINANCES
TO: Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS Michigan House Bill 5977 was introduced during the lame duck session of the state
legislature; and is described by the Michigan Association of Counties as a bill "that would chip away—
again — at local control" in our county and elsewhere.
WHEREAS every community is different and local government exists to reflect and reinforce those
unique needs and values; and
WHEREAS the state government does not always know best what works in every town and county; and
WHEREAS local communities need authority to create standards beyond what the state requires; and
WHEREAS our best opportunity to bring change is at the local level, where it is easiest for the public to
reach our elected officials and hold them accountable; and
WHEREAS we need to protect local control and our right to make local decisions that will make out
communities stronger; and
WHEREAS it is wrong for the state to have the final say when it's local families and communities that
have to live with the consequences of state intervention and intrusion in local issues; and
WHEREAS it is wrong for the state government to take a one-size-fits-all approach to law making. The
needs of people living in urban areas are not always the same as the needs of people in small towns.
This is why local governments exist —to make sure that laws and policies meet the needs and values of
the people who live there.
WHEREAS we believe that the state has a role in establishing minimum standards, but also equally
believe local and county government should be allowed to build and improve beyond those minimums;
and
WHEREAS House Bill 5977 takes away a local community's ability to negotiate what benefits they will
receive in exchange for generous tax incentives to businesses, while also preventing a their ability to
act in the best interest of residents and the local economy; and
WHEREAS this legislation is opposed by the Michigan Township Association, the Michigan Municipal
League, the Michigan Association of Counties, and other organizations.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners opposes to HB
5977 as an intrusion on local government's authority to determine community compensation and
benefits policies appropriate for their community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the County of Oakland is directed to submit a copy of this
resolution to the Board's legislative lobbyists, the Office of the Governor, Senate Majority Leader,
Senate Minority Leader, Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader and the Oakland County
delegg_tiqn to the Michigan Legislature.
e th0 aFloptign of ti* foregoing Resolution.
CiDniniissioner David Woodward Commissioner
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Resolution #14306 December 11, 2014
Moved by Woodward supported by McGillivray to suspend the rules and vote on Miscellaneous
Resolution #14306 - Board of Commissioners — Opposition to House Bill 5977 Prohibiting Local
Government's Ability to Enact Community Compensation and Benefits Ordinances.
Vote on motion to suspend the rules:
AYES: Woodward, Zack, Gershenson, Hatchett, Jackson, McGillivray. (6)
NAYS: Runestad, Scott, Spisz, Taub, Bosnic, Crawford, Dwyer, Gingell, Gosselin, Hoffman,
Long, Matls, Middleton. (13)
A sufficient majority having not voted in favor, the motion to suspend the rules and vote on Miscellaneous
Resolution #14306 - Board of Commissioners — Opposition to House Bill 5977 Prohibiting Local
Government's Ability to Enact Community Compensation and Benefits Ordinances failed.
Commissioner Woodward addressed the Board and requested the resolution be referred to the General
Government Committee.
Discussion followed.
Chairperson Michael Gingell addressed the Board and stated that there will not be a General Government
Committee meeting scheduled until the beginning of the New Year.
Discussion followed.
The Chairperson referred the resolution to the General Government Committee and stated that it will
have to be re-introduced in 2015. There were no objections.