Title
Resolution to Encourage Support to Fund the Fire Protection Grant Program
Staff
Prepared by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Many cities in the State of Michigan provide fire protection services to State-owned institutions located in or near their communities;
Whereas, The local communities reliably provide those fire protection services to serve State government institutions at the primary expense of the local taxpayers;
Whereas, The University of Michigan has added property and buildings since Act 289 of 1977 (Payment for Fire Protection Services to Municipalities) was approved by the legislature;
Whereas, The University of Michigan is a state and national resource with benefits flowing throughout the region and state. The cost of protection for this asset and service should not be borne exclusively by the taxpayers of the City of Ann Arbor;
Whereas, The protection of these assets is a statutory duty recognized by the law of the state in Act 289 - and it is a duty which should be paid first, before new programs or enhancements of discretionary programs are considered;
Whereas, Full funding is actually very modest and does not account for the true cost of protecting the state’s assets, such as the University of Michigan;
Whereas, The State of Michigan has increased the funds available to Fire Protection Grants, but funding is still less than that prescribed by the State's formula;
Whereas, Full funding of Fire Protection Grants could be accomplished with little impact on the State's total budget; and
Whereas, Many of the State institutions protected by local fire services are public universities housing young people from all areas of the State of Michigan;
RESOLVED, That Governor Snyder, State Senator Warren, and State Representatives Irwin and Zemke look positively and creatively at available means to fully fund the Fire Protection Grant program in the FY 15; and
RESOLVE...
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