City of Ann Arbor SSWWEP - Citizens Advisory Committee Coordination - 2.65 -C- How is it that the City can impose a new tax (penalty for homeowners who do not participate in FDD program) without the approval of all voters in the city?

2.65 -C- How is it that the City can impose a new tax (penalty for homeowners who do not participate in FDD program) without the approval of all voters in the city?

Posted by Lori Byron on 21 Dec, 2013
Category: Category 2 - about potential recommendations

Frank Burdick’s Log Number: 65

Submitted by: Burdick log

Category (1,2,3): 2

Status: Closed

Estimated date to address: N/A

Q. The current FDD program imposes a $100 per month ($1200 per year) penalty on homeowners who chose NOT to have a FDD or sump pump installed in their homes. This is a tax on homeowners in targeted neighborhoods, only. How is it that the City can impose a new tax without the approval of all voters in the city?

A. We have asked the City's attorney to respond to this question, as there are legal differences between a surcharge and a tax.

Comments

Lori Byron on 8 Jan, 2014:

The $100 per month charge is a utility surcharge, not a tax. Voter approval is not required.

City of Ann Arbor SSWWEP - Citizens Advisory Committee Coordination — City of Ann Arbor

2.65 -C- How is it that the City can impose a new tax (penalty for homeowners who do not participate in FDD program) without the approval of all voters in the city?

Comments