Township Insights 10.15.2021 | Weekly legislative and news update from the Michigan Townships Association

October 15, 2021

Coalition presents proposal to leverage ARPA funding

A statewide coalition, of which MTA is a member, released a plan this week that provides a comprehensive vision to leverage the state’s nearly $6 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The plan, From Rescue to Prosperity: A Roadmap to Michigan’s Future, focuses the state’s ARPA resources in a coordinated fashion across five key areas:

Infrastructure: Resilient and Sustainable Water Systems ($2 billion) and High-Speed Broadband Access ($500 million)
Fiscal Health: Smart Investments that Provide Stability for State and Local Government ($800 million)
Thriving Communities: Attainable Housing and Community Development ($805 million)
Strong Economy: Economic Development, Business Assistance, Skilled Workforce, and Talent ($910 million)
Public Health and Safety: Healthy and Safe People, Families, and Communities ($500 million)

“The pandemic affected every Michigander and every community. It also highlighted the impact of years of disinvestment and cuts in Michigan’s communities, particularly our rural areas where the digital divide and lack of broadband and other infrastructure disproportionately affected our students, families and businesses,” said MTA Executive Director Neil Sheridan. “The state’s unrestricted American Rescue Plan dollars represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in and build up our communities, our people and our economy—laying a foundation for a stronger Michigan.”

The plan recognizes the tremendous need for direct investment across multiple sectors with the goal of maximizing the one-time ARPA dollars with leveraging other resources to amplify and sustain future returns to help build a path forward for Michigan residents, businesses and communities. MTA, along with other coalition members, will be working with the Legislature and administration in the coming weeks and months as they appropriate the federal funds.

Candidate filing fees nonrefundable bills move

Townships and counties would retain candidate filing fees to be used only for the purchase and maintenance of voting equipment under bills passed by the Senate Elections Committee on Wednesday. House Bills 4282, 4283, 4284 and 4285 would make the $100 filing fee candidates pay in place of collecting signatures nonrefundable for legislative candidates, county offices, county road commissioners and township offices. The filing fee would remain with the township or county where the candidate resides, for the purchase of election equipment. The bills next will be considered by the Senate.

Controversial election bills headed to governor

Three bills that faced controversy in the Senate prior to passage last week faced the same this week prior to passage by the House. The bills are now headed to the governor’s desk. The bills would prohibit absent voter ballots from being sent unless requested (Senate Bill 303), change the state’s voter identification laws (SB 304) and eliminate the fee for state identification cards (House Bill 5007). The governor has previously indicated the bills would be vetoed if passed.

Fisheries Habitat grants available

Townships can apply for Fisheries Habitat Grant funding for projects aimed at improving state fisheries and aquatic resources, including fish habitat conservation, dam removal and repair, resource assessment studies, and providing access to recreation. The program distributes the funding through three themes: aquatic habitat conservation, dam management, and aquatic habitat and recreation in the Au Sable, Manistee and Muskegon river watersheds. Applicants may apply for and receive funding from all three themes with one application, if eligible for each. All applicants must first discuss their project with a fisheries biologist, then complete and submit a short preproposal for state Department of Natrual Resources review. Preproposals must be submitted by email to KosloskiC3@Michigan.gov no later than Nov. 12.

Reminders for November elections

Clerks with a November election must report in Qualified Voter File the hours their office will be open the weekend prior to the election and any additional locations that may be open on Election Day.
Monday, Oct. 18 is the deadline for registering to vote in any manner other than in person at the local clerk’s office and being eligible to vote in the Nov. 2 election.

Web resources share ‘What Elected Officials Need to Know’ about lead and copper rule

Water systems across the state have just finished collecting and submitting their latest round of lead and copper drinking water data to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Lead sampling results and lead-action-level exceedances will be announced over the coming days and weeks. The University of Michigan Water Center has created a “What Elected Officials Need to Know” resource specifically to help educate elected officials and to share information with residents. Lead levels requiring action can take communities by surprise. If you’re not sure where to start with new lead data you’ve received, check out the new guide that identifies the questions you can ask your water utility to take well-informed next steps. There is also a page that townships can share with residents who have questions or concerns.

EGLE education: Upcoming recycling webinar, PFAS conference

Townships can learn about grant and technical assistance to support their community’s recycling and composting efforts at state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) webinar. The one-hour webinar , held Nov. 2 at 10 a.m., will share two department initiatives—Catalyst Communities and Michigan NextCycle—to highlight the important role of the circular economy in tackling climate change. NextCycle Michigan has grant and technical assistance solutions to support local efforts (and public and private partners).
Registration is now open for the 2021 Virtual Great Lakes PFAS Summit taking place Dec. 6-10. Hosted by EGLE, the summit will provide the most current and reliable science and policy, facilitate information sharing, and explore current and future research topics related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Attendees will be able to choose from more than 30 topics, and hear from federal, state and local officials on their challenges and innovative solutions in dealing with these "forever chemicals."

Redistricting commission holding second round of public hearings this month

Officials and residents can share comments on draft maps for state legislative and congressional districts drawn by the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission at five public hearings being held later this month. Participants can watch the meetings via Zoom, YouTube live stream or in person. Comments can also continue to be submitted via the commission’s online portal. A 45-day public comment period is required before the final maps are adopted by Dec. 30.

2022 Property Tax and Equalization calendar released

The State Tax Commission this week approved Bulletin 13 of 2021, the Property Tax and Equalization Calendar for 2022.

Federal update for week of October 12

Check out the National Association of Towns and Townships'

e-newsletter for an update of federal actions impacting townships.