Michigan Public Policy Survey Questions and Data Tables

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 public utility taxes/fees?

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 hotel/tourism 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 local motor vehicle license/registration fees?

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 regional tax-base sharing?

Michigan's local jurisdictions currently have constraints on certain kinds of revenue growth (for example, the Headlee Amendment and Proposal A). Thinking about the revenue caps facing your jurisdiction, if the economy improves over the coming years, do you agree or disagree that the current system of funding local government will provide adequate funding to: maintain the current package of services your jurisdiction provides

Michigan's local jurisdictions currently have constraints on certain kinds of revenue growth (for example, the Headlee Amendment and Proposal A). Thinking about the revenue caps facing your jurisdiction, if the economy improves 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 for funding local government in Michigan needs significant reform, while others disagree. What about you? Would you say you agree or disagree that the system for funding local governments in Michigan needs significant reform?

Next we want to focus on which particular elements of the system for funding local government in Michigan you think need to be reformed in some significant fashion. How important, if at all, do you believe it is to significantly reform: Constitutional revenue sharing

Next we want to focus on which particular elements of the system for funding local government in Michigan you think need to be reformed in some significant fashion. How important, if at all, do you believe it is to significantly reform: The Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP)

Next we want to focus on which particular elements of the system for funding local government in Michigan you think need to be reformed in some significant fashion. How important, if at all, do you believe it is to significantly reform: The Headlee Amendment

Next we want to focus on which particular elements of the system for funding local government in Michigan you think need to be reformed in some significant fashion. How important, if at all, do you believe it is to significantly reform: Proposal A

Next we want to focus on which particular elements of the system for funding local government in Michigan you think need to be reformed in some significant fashion. How important, if at all, do you believe it is to significantly reform: Personal Property Tax (PPT)

Next we want to focus on which particular elements of the system for funding local government in Michigan you think need to be reformed in some significant fashion. How important, if at all, do you believe it is to significantly reform: Sales tax

Next, we want to focus on which particular elements of the system for funding local government in Michigan you think need to be reformed in some significant fashion. How important, if at all, do you believe it is to significantly reform: Gas tax

Next we want to focus on which particular elements of the system for funding local government in Michigan you think need to be reformed in some significant fashion. How important, if at all, do you believe it is to significantly reform: Local income tax

Next we want to focus on which particular elements of the system for funding local government in Michigan you think need to be reformed in some significant fashion. How important, if at all, do you believe it is to significantly reform: Regional taxation

The state has recently enacted a new program called the Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP). EVIP replaces the former statutory revenue sharing program. How familiar are you with the Economic Vitality Incentive Program?

Certain local jurisdictions were eligible to receive statutory revenue sharing in Fiscal Year 2010. According to the new EVIP legislation, only some of those jurisdictions which were eligible in FY2010 are now eligible to receive revenue sharing through EVIP. Do you know if your jurisdiction is eligible to receive Economic Vitality Incentive Program revenue sharing funds?

In order to receive the EVIP revenue sharing funds related to accountability and transparency, eligible jurisdictions must certify they have produced a performance dashboard and a citizen's guide to local government finances by October 1, 2011. Did your jurisdiction certify that it had produced a performance dashboard and citizen's guide as of October 1, 2011?

(Among jurisdictions that report being eligible for EVIP revenue sharing)

In order to receive the EVIP revenue sharing funds related to collaboration/consolidation/service sharing, eligible jurisdictions must certify they have a plan in place with one or more proposals to either launch new efforts or to increase existing levels of cooperation, collaboration, and consolidation, either within the jurisdiction or with other jurisdictions by January 1, 2012. Do you expect your jurisdiction will certify in this category by January 1, 2012?

(Among jurisdictions that report being eligible for EVIP revenue sharing)

In order to receive the EVIP revenue sharing funds regarding best practices in employee compensation, eligible jurisdictions must certify they have a plan in place to meet certain state-specified requirements in employee health care premiums and post-employment benefits by May 1, 2012. Do you expect your jurisdiction will certify in this category by May 1, 2012?

(Among jurisdictions that report being eligible for EVIP revenue sharing)

Beyond revenue sharing, the Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP) also has additional funds for assistance grants available to all Michigan city, village, township, and county governments to offset costs associated with mergers, interlocal agreements, and cooperative efforts to combine government operations that occur on or after October 1, 2011. How familiar are you with this section of the EVIP?

How likely is it that your jurisdiction will apply for an Economic Vitality Incentive Program grant to help offset costs associated with mergers, interlocal agreements, and cooperative efforts?

In general, do you agree or disagree with the idea of tying state revenue sharing to certain base-level local services while allowing local governments to raise additional taxes for additional services?

Under this proposal, if your jurisdiction had the authority to raise additional taxes, how likely would it be to increase its property tax millage rates?