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

Public Meeting February 6, 2014 -- Takeaway

Posted by Michelle Lovasz on 8 Feb, 2014
Category: No category


This meeting left me with many questions.  These questions feel pertinent to contemplating an assessment of CAC considerations.  While we are considering the FDD program legal for the purposes of CAC investigations, in listening last night to the concerns of those residents involved I was alerted to issues and concerns I had not considered before.  I would like to understand this FDD program within the larger context of Ann Arbor City's practices.

It was iterated and reiterated that the FDD program was a trial situation, implemented to be able to gauge results and thus gauge whether or not to continue the program.  If this is so, then it does in fact make those targeted residents - pleased with the results or disgruntled - test subjects.  If they are test subjects, then what is the reason to charge them a "fee" or a "penalty" for not participating?  If one is a test subject then one would expect to be compensated for that, not charged.  I must be misunderstanding something here.

I would like to know is this $100 a fee?  or a fine?  and how is the homeowner charged?  Is this "fee" or "fine" found on their tax bill?  Or their water bill?  Or does it come altogether separately?

Are there any other like trial situations in Ann Arbor, serving as test subjects to compile data and compose an assessment before implementation of  a larger program?   Just within the last ten years would be informative.

This aspect is very curious.

Comments

Judy Hanway on 8 Feb, 2014:

Michelle's concerns and questions are also things I have been concerned about for several years now as I have seen the impacts of the FDDP. I think the City staff should be the ones to respond to these questions but I can tell you that the $100 fee/fine is added to the homeowner's water bill. 

Frank Burdick on 8 Feb, 2014:

The  so called "user fee" is a TAX selectively applied to targeted neighborhoods without the benefit of taxpayer vote.  The following has been on my log since November 25,2013.

65 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?" 11/25/2013