Sunday, October 2, 2011

Dearborn Forum this Tuesday, Oct 4.

Attend our next forum in Dearborn's Council Chambers this week. Tuesday evening, October 4th, we will have a school board candidates forum at 7pm and presentations about the 3 millage proposals at 8pm.

Dearborn School Board – Elect 2 of 4

Stephen Stanley Dobkowski Jr.

Joseph A. Guido

Roxanne McDonald

Mary K. Petlichkoff


Proposal 1 OPERATING MILLAGE:

The City of Dearborn has cut 35% of its non-Police and Fire workforce and reduced spending by $12 million annually. Lower tax revenues will require more reductions and impact services and programs further. An additional 5-year millage will allow Dearborn to maintain core services while permanently reducing operating costs.

Shall Section 13.2 of the Dearborn City Charter be amended to temporarily allow the City to levy an additional ad valorem tax up to $3.50 per $1,000 in taxable value (3.5 mills) which will raise approximately $12,250,000 in the first year it is levied, for no more than 5 years?

YES or NO

Proposal 2 LIBRARY MILLAGE:

State law allows citizens to authorize that 1 mill be dedicated to offset the costs of providing library services. Due to declining revenues, library services have been reduced. Additional revenues will be used to support greater technology so that the City of Dearborn can provide effective and efficient access to informational, developmental, and entertainment-oriented materials in order to meet current and future user demands.

Shall the City of Dearborn in accordance with State law MCL § 397.201 levy an additional ad valorem tax in an amount not to exceed $1 per $1,000 in taxable value which equals 1 mill or approximately $3,500,000 in the first year it is levied for no more than 10 years dedicated to fund the ongoing operational and capital costs of a library system?

YES or NO

Proposal 3 ELIMINATION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM:

The Civil Service System as defined in Chapter 11 of the Dearborn City Charter was created before City employees formed 8 different labor unions to represent them in negotiating contracts covering wages, benefits, and work rules. The provisions in these contracts take precedence over Civil Service policies. Dearborn is one of a few Michigan cities that still has a Civil Service System. If necessary, the City Council could create a Human Resources Commission by ordinance to oversee any employment issues for City employees.

Shall the Dearborn City Charter be amended to eliminate the Civil Service System by repealing Chapter 11?

YES or NO