HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2015.02.18 - 21698Miscellaneous Resolution # 15051
BY: Commissioner David Woodward, District #19; Commissioner Marcia Gershenson, District #13;
Commissioner Nancy Quarles, District #17; Commissioner Gary McGillivray, District #20;
Commissioner Helaine Zack, District #18; Commissioner Janet Jackson, District #21;
Commissioner David E.S. Bowman, District #10
RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS — ESTABLISH COUNTY PRIORITIES AND DEDICATE PROPERTY TAX
REVENUES TO REBUILD OAKLAND COUNTY DETERIOTATED ROADS AND FIX POTHOLES NOW
TO: Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS Oakland County Executive L Brooks Patterson announced a proposal to reduce the county
property tax millage rate during his 2015 State of the County address; and
WHEREAS the property tax levy is proposed to be reduced by .1 mills for the 2015 summer tax levy and
a further .05 mills for the 2016 summer tax levy; and
WHEREAS this reduction would amount to $10 in 2015 and $15 in 2016 to the owner of a home valued
at $200,000; and
WHEREAS the Executive has estimated that the proposed reduction will reduce revenues by $75
million over 10 years; and
WHEREAS more than 25% of Oakland County roads are in "poor" condition according to a 2012
SEMCOG report; and
WHEREAS according to the Road Commission of Oakland County RCOC), "Decades of underfunding
have resulted in pavement cracking, rutting and potholes — all of which negatively impact commuters
and commercial transportation in the county"; and
WHEREAS the Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating System PASER) database of federal aid eligible
roads in Oakland County reports about 16 percent of roads require heavy maintenance, 44 percent
require preservation overlay, 38 percent need resurfacing and 1% percent need to be completely
reconstructed.; and
WHEREAS every dollar spent on preventive pavement maintenance saves $3 to $4 in future road
repairs according to the National Cooperative Highway Research Program; and
WHEREAS the Michigan Department of Transportation estimates the average Michigan driver pays an
extra $120 a year for road-caused damage, often from potholes; and
WHEREAS redirecting the revenues from the proposed millage reduction can double the $5 million
RCOC will be spending on pothole repairs in 2015 alone; and
WHEREAS Oakland County's excellent credit rating provides an opportunity to access low interest
financing to invest in badly needed road repairs now; and
WHEREAS Oakland County budgeted over $2 million for investment in road improvements in FY2014
and has a long history of providing financial assistance for road projects;
WHEREAS state, federal and local matching funds could multiply the county investment in road repairs,
and
WHEREAS Public Act 14 of 2012 authorizes a county board of commissioners to exercise an expanded
role in local transportation administration; and
WHEREAS Public Act 139 of 1973 places the authority with the Board of Commissioners to "make
appropriations, levy taxes, and incur indebtedness in the manner authorized by law for the carrying out
of functions, powers, and duties granted or imposed upon the county or upon an office or department
of the county as provided by law"; and
WHEREAS waiting for funding increases from the federal and state governments for road repair has
Commissioner Hel ine Zack
District#18-----
produced poor results; and
WHEREAS the poor condition of Oakland County roads is a detriment to economic development and
reduces the quality of life for residents; and
WHEREAS the relatively minor savings to average taxpayers from the proposed property tax millage
reduction is far outweighed by the benefits of investing those revenues in badly needed road
improvements and the elimination of the growing number of potholes throughout the county.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners establishes a
Rebuild Oakland Fund and dedicates a minimum of 75% of the revenues from .1 mills in 2015 and .15
mills from 2016 forward to the Rebuild Oakland Fund for road repair and improvement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners declares their intent to
match the amount of funding currently budgeted by the Road Commission of Oakland County for
immediate pothole repairs.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the County of Oakland is directed to submit a copy of this
resolution to the Road Commission of Oakland County and the Oakland County delegation to the
Michigan Legislature.
Chairt4rson, 1ynoyR-tf9 adopt 4i of the forkgoing Resolution.
tiz/K,6
Coinmissioner David Woodward
District #18 ill
CommisMonbr Gary McGillivray
District #20
Corhmissioner Marcia Gaithenson
District #13
Commissioner
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Commissioner
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Commissioner Commissioner
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Commissioner Commissioner
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Resolution #15051 February 18, 2015
The Chairperson referred the resolution to the Finance Committee. There were no objections.