DetroitMan
03-23-2007, 11:37 AM
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/032207/loc_2007032237.shtml
Independence wants merger with Clarkston
Web-posted Mar 22, 2007
By NATALIE LOMBARDO
Of The Oakland Press
INDEPENDENCE TWP. - With the same ZIP code, many Independence Township residents believe they live in the City of the Village of Clarkston.
Now township officials are proposing the two really do become one - to earn more state shared revenue amid perpetual budget woes.
"With the state, community and economy, there's not enough fluff in personal household revenue to support redundant government," said Independence Township Trustee Charles Dunn. "It's incumbent on us to take a look at this and see where it takes us."
The impetus for consideration of consolidating the city with the surrounding township stems from a recent budget address from the governor.
She stated the future of receiving state shared revenue would be tied to whether local governments seek out consolidation or sharing resources, said Trustee Daniel Kelly, who presented his idea in a meeting Tuesday.
Clarkston residents would need to pass a referendum vote to disband their half-square-mile city of 962 residents. Then, "Clarkston Township" would emerge by default, Kelly said. The township has about 34,000 residents.
But Clarkston officials are wary, despite Kelly's pledge to preserve the city's historic and charming character.
Clarkston Councilman Cory Johnston said eradicating the city is a lengthy process that residents most likely won't take on.
Still, Johnston plans to discuss Kelly's plan at a future meeting. "A talk between the communities is warranted, but not necessarily consolidation," he added.
After nearly a five-year process, Clarkston became a city in 1992. It previously was a village.
City Manager Art Pappas said the move would create "bad feelings" between township and city residents.
Kelly contends it would benefit current city residents because their operations taxes would decrease. Now, they are levied 13 mills, while township residents are levied 7. The average Clarkston resident with a $300,000 home would save $900 annually, a 40 percent reduction in local municipal taxes.
And township taxes wouldn't increase if city residents joined in, as Clarkston would lose its police force and some control over its roads, both factors that boost taxes, Kelly said.
The township hires the Oakland County Sheriff's Office for police, and the roads are maintained by the Road Commission for Oakland County.
Presently, the township and city share fire service, the library, water and a parks and recreation department - which are provided by the township.
Though Kelly says the city is "piggybacking" on township services, the move would benefit the township because property taxes from city boundaries could be better used to provide and improve services for one community.
County Commissioner Tom Middleton said the county is willing to pay for a feasibility study, because it is interested in consolidation and sharing services, too.
Meanwhile, township officials are set to consider potential issues such as handling the city's assets, employees and debt.
"It's worth chewing on," said Trustee Daniel Travis. "But I can't anticipate what the governor is going to do."
Contact Natalie Lombardo at (248) 745-4639 or natalie.lombardo@oakpress.com.
Independence wants merger with Clarkston
Web-posted Mar 22, 2007
By NATALIE LOMBARDO
Of The Oakland Press
INDEPENDENCE TWP. - With the same ZIP code, many Independence Township residents believe they live in the City of the Village of Clarkston.
Now township officials are proposing the two really do become one - to earn more state shared revenue amid perpetual budget woes.
"With the state, community and economy, there's not enough fluff in personal household revenue to support redundant government," said Independence Township Trustee Charles Dunn. "It's incumbent on us to take a look at this and see where it takes us."
The impetus for consideration of consolidating the city with the surrounding township stems from a recent budget address from the governor.
She stated the future of receiving state shared revenue would be tied to whether local governments seek out consolidation or sharing resources, said Trustee Daniel Kelly, who presented his idea in a meeting Tuesday.
Clarkston residents would need to pass a referendum vote to disband their half-square-mile city of 962 residents. Then, "Clarkston Township" would emerge by default, Kelly said. The township has about 34,000 residents.
But Clarkston officials are wary, despite Kelly's pledge to preserve the city's historic and charming character.
Clarkston Councilman Cory Johnston said eradicating the city is a lengthy process that residents most likely won't take on.
Still, Johnston plans to discuss Kelly's plan at a future meeting. "A talk between the communities is warranted, but not necessarily consolidation," he added.
After nearly a five-year process, Clarkston became a city in 1992. It previously was a village.
City Manager Art Pappas said the move would create "bad feelings" between township and city residents.
Kelly contends it would benefit current city residents because their operations taxes would decrease. Now, they are levied 13 mills, while township residents are levied 7. The average Clarkston resident with a $300,000 home would save $900 annually, a 40 percent reduction in local municipal taxes.
And township taxes wouldn't increase if city residents joined in, as Clarkston would lose its police force and some control over its roads, both factors that boost taxes, Kelly said.
The township hires the Oakland County Sheriff's Office for police, and the roads are maintained by the Road Commission for Oakland County.
Presently, the township and city share fire service, the library, water and a parks and recreation department - which are provided by the township.
Though Kelly says the city is "piggybacking" on township services, the move would benefit the township because property taxes from city boundaries could be better used to provide and improve services for one community.
County Commissioner Tom Middleton said the county is willing to pay for a feasibility study, because it is interested in consolidation and sharing services, too.
Meanwhile, township officials are set to consider potential issues such as handling the city's assets, employees and debt.
"It's worth chewing on," said Trustee Daniel Travis. "But I can't anticipate what the governor is going to do."
Contact Natalie Lombardo at (248) 745-4639 or natalie.lombardo@oakpress.com.
