PROCEDURE FOR SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS

TO FINANCE MOSQUITO ABATEMENT

House Bill 4573 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Tim Sneller

Committee:  Local Government

Complete to 9-12-17

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4573 would amend Chapter 16 of the Revised Statutes of 1846, which defines the powers and duties of townships. (Proposed MCL 41.3b)  The bill would allow a township to provide by ordinance procedures under which the township could finance mosquito abatement services by private contractors.  The abatement would be financed by a special assessment. Other special assessments include the financing of drains, sewers, roads, garbage pick-up, and street lights.

The ordinance would authorize two procedures whereby the assessment could be levied:

1.      The township board could adopt a resolution to initiate the establishment of a special assessment district, or

2.      The owners of 25% or more of landowners in the area to be made into a special assessment district could sign petitions to initiate the establishment of a special assessment district.

If either of these occurs, the question of raising money for mosquito abatement by special assessment would be submitted to the township's electors residing in the proposed special assessment district at a general election or special election. 

Then, if a majority of electors voting approve it, the special assessment district for mosquito abatement would be established.  The district may be discontinued upon petition by 51% or more of landowners in the district. 

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on state or local government unless the township called for a special election to vote on the petition for a mosquito abatement special assessment district.  If a special election were held, the cost to the township would be approximately $2,000 per precinct.  Presumably, any special assessment levied once a district was established would be sufficient to cover the costs of the contract for mosquito abatement services.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Jenny McInerney

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Ben Gielczyk

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.