Michigan Public Policy Survey Questions and Data Tables

How do you generally think authority should be divided between the state and local levels of government in local finance and tax policy?

While any particular jurisdiction in fiscal distress faces unique challenges, in general, how important—if at all—do you think State decisions affecting local government (e.g., revenue sharing, Headlee / Proposal A, local revenue options, unfunded mandates, etc.) are as a factor in contributing to local government fiscal distress in Michigan?

Thinking about the revenue caps facing your jurisdiction (for example, the Headlee Amendment, Proposal A, etc.), if the economy improves gradually over the coming years, do you agree or disagree that the current system of funding the local government will provide adequate funding to maintain the current quantity and quality of services your jurisdiction provides?

Thinking about the revenue caps facing your jurisdiction (for example, the Headlee Amendment, Proposal A, etc.), if the economy improves gradually over the coming years, do you agree or disagree that the current system of funding the local government will provide adequate funding to improve or add more services if they are necessary or desired?

Some people think the current system of funding local government in Michigan is broken and needs significant reform, while others disagree. What about you? Would you say you agree or disagree that the system of funding local government in Michigan is broken and needs significant reform?

Whether or not you think the current system is broken, to what extent would you support or oppose changing the system of funding local government in Michigan by enabling regional tax-base sharing among local units?

Whether or not you think the current system is broken, to what extent would you support or oppose changing the system of funding local government in Michigan by reforming tax increment financing/tax captures (e.g., DDAs, TIFs, LDFAs) to limit the impact on general government revenues?

Whether or not you think the current system is broken, to what extent would you support or oppose changing the system of funding local government in Michigan by allowing local governments to raise revenues through local-option taxes (e.g., sales, gas, hotel taxes, etc.)?

Whether or not you think the current system is broken, to what extent would you support or oppose changing the system of funding local government in Michigan by compelling the State to pay for “unfunded mandates” imposed on local governments?

Whether or not you think the current system is broken, to what extent would you support or oppose changing the system of funding local government in Michigan by increasing maximum allowable local millage rates?

Whether or not you think the current system is broken, to what extent would you support or oppose changing the system of funding local government in Michigan by reforming Headlee Amendment to eliminate or limit millage rate roll-backs?

Whether or not you think the current system is broken, to what extent would you support or oppose changing the system of funding local government in Michigan by establishing automatic millage rate “roll-ups” (increases up to the maximum authorized millage rate when the tax base grows slower than inflation)?

Whether or not you think the current system is broken, to what extent would you support or oppose changing the system of funding local government in Michigan by reforming Proposal A to allow more taxable value growth for individual properties?

Whether or not you think the current system is broken, to what extent would you support or oppose changing the system of funding local government in Michigan by restoring full statutory revenue sharing (i.e., reverse cuts that began in the early 2000s)?

Whether or not you think the current system is broken, to what extent would you support or oppose changing the system of funding local government in Michigan by adding services that are not currently taxed to the state sales tax base?

Whether or not you think the current system is broken, to what extent would you support or oppose changing the system of funding local government in Michigan by increasing rates on state taxes with revenue-sharing components (e.g., sales, gas)?

Whether or not you think the current system is broken, to what extent would you support or oppose changing the system of funding local government in Michigan by making other changes?

While many of these potential reforms may be important, we’re interested in the reforms you believe are most critical. Looking at the potential changes listed above in Q14 that you support, please identify which you feel are the top three priorities for how Michigan’s system of funding local government should be reformed. Top priority:

While many of these potential reforms may be important, we’re interested in the reforms you believe are most critical. Looking at the potential changes listed above in Q14 that you support, please identify which you feel are the top three priorities for how Michigan’s system of funding the local government should be reformed. Second priority:

While many of these potential reforms may be important, we’re interested in the reforms you believe are most critical. Looking at the potential changes listed above in Q14 that you support, please identify which you feel are the top three priorities for how Michigan’s system of funding the local government should be reformed. Third priority:

If your jurisdiction had the authority to raise additional local revenues — including options that may not be available currently — would you support or oppose your jurisdiction introducing or increasing local property tax millage rates?

If your jurisdiction had the authority to raise additional local revenues — including options that may not be available currently — would you support or oppose your jurisdiction introducing or increasing a local income tax?

If your jurisdiction had the authority to raise additional local revenues — including options that may not be available currently — would you support or oppose your jurisdiction introducing or increasing a local sales tax?

If your jurisdiction had the authority to raise additional local revenues — including options that may not be available currently — would you support or oppose your jurisdiction introducing or increasing a local gas tax?

If your jurisdiction had the authority to raise additional local revenues — including options that may not be available currently — would you support or oppose your jurisdiction introducing or increasing a local sales tax on alcohol, tobacco, etc.?