Legislative Conference keynoter will address leadership in times of change
Leading in times of crisis and change will be the theme of the keynote address at the 2024 Michigan Counties Legislative Conference, to be held April 29-May 1 in Lansing.
Retired Adm. Peter Cressy, director of Executive Leadership Programs at the Washington Leadership Institute, will speak on:
“Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Churchill: A Strategic Approach to Leading in Times of Crisis and Change: Washington and these other great leaders manifested eight common characteristics in leading during times of crisis and change, ranging from visibility and communication to planning and collaboration. This popular session will explore examples of these traits during the times of crisis each of these outstanding leaders faced, which remain relevant today.”
Registration is now open for the 2024 conference, with sessions at both the DoubleTree (formerly Radisson Hotel) and the Lansing Center. The event is co-hosted by the Michigan County Medical Care Facilities Council (MCMCFC).
Additional plenary sessions will feature:
- A discussion with the Legislative “Quadrant” (senior officials in the House and Senate)
- Remarks from National Association of Counties (NACo) President Mary Jo McGuire of Ramsey County, Minnesota
- MAC Legislative Update
- Remarks from MAC President Jim Storey of Allegan County
- Presentation of certificates to the 2024 graduating class of County Commissioner Academy
Breakout sessions on current challenges for county leaders, including broadband funding updates, lessons learned from the opioid settlements, impact of renewable energy siting legislation, options for infrastructure funding to address the expansion of electric vehicles and much more!
A Legislative Reception will be held on the evening of Tuesday, April 30.
Registration is online only and may be done by clicking here.
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Member – Full Conference Rate | $425
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Member – Two-Day Rate | $370
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Member – One-Day Rate | $125 to $245 (depending on day)
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Non-Member – Full Conference Rate | $525
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Non-Member – Two-Day Rate | $470
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Non-Member – One-Day Rate | $165 to $305 (depending on day)
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Spouse Meal Package Rate | $225
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The DoubleTree (formerly Radisson Hotel) is providing a special group rate of $142.95 for the event and is connected via the newly renovated pedestrian bridge to the Lansing Center itself. The bridge now offers improved lighting, new security systems, ventilation system and carpet.
Check-in is 4 p.m.; check-out is noon. MAC has designed the conference agenda to ensure attendees will have no issues in coordinating their schedules on check-out day.
The cutoff date to reserve your room is April 4, 2024. There is no guarantee that rooms will be available until April 4, so you are encouraged to reserve early.
For agenda details and other information, please consult the MAC website.
MAC briefs Senate panel on opioid settlement efforts
MAC’s Amy Dolinky and Samantha Gibson testified before the Senate Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday to share the association’s work with counties relating to opioid settlement dollars.
The committee also heard testimony from DHHS and the Opioid Advisory Commission (OAC).
In her testimony Dolinky highlighted MAC’s role in providing planning and capacity building for opioid settlement funds. MAC has created a toolkit for local spending, resource center, resource library, local government learning community, informational webinars, and numerous other resources and templates for use by local governments.
Dolinky reported that 66 counties have engaged in some capacity with MAC’s technical assistance. Most counties have created steering committees to ensure stakeholder engagement, review local data and develop recommendations of priority areas where funds may be used to share with their boards of commissioners.
MAC has advised for intentional effort to include local voices in planning processes and decision-making, as well as long-term and sustainability planning efforts. Most counties have not yet spent funds, Dolinky explained, as they are focused on ensuring they understand the specific needs of their communities and the ways in which funds can be best leveraged alongside other funding sources addressing substance use.
Later that day, Dolinky participated in a media discussion on opioid settlement work with other health policy leaders in Michigan. To view or listen to that discussion, click here.
For more information on the opioid services, contact Amy Dolinky at dolinky@micounties.org.
Counties enjoy 90 percent success rate in millage elections
Michigan counties that asked their residents for revenue support this week achieved a 90 percent success rate, according to results collated by the Gongwer News Service.
Nineteen of 21 county-related millage requests (either renewals or increases) gained voter approval, a success rate of 90 percent, well above the overall rate of 83 percent for all millage elections this cycle.
Click here to see county results.
‘ForwardTogether’ is theme of 2024 National County Government Month
National County Government Month (NCGM), held each April, is an annual celebration of county government. Since 1991, the National Association of Counties (NACo) has encouraged counties to actively promote county roles and responsibilities in serving residents. Counties can schedule activities any time during the month. NCGM is an excellent opportunity for your county to highlight effective or innovative county programs and raise public awareness of services provided to the community.
This year’s National County Government Month theme is consistent with NACo President Mary Jo McGuire’s focus for the year, ForwardTogether.
ForwardTogether is about connecting, inspiring and leading – pillars of county government that build trust and drive towards solutions. Counties are encouraged to reflect on this theme as you choose how to celebrate NCGM. In particular, consider how NCGM is so intrinsically connected to the responsibility of county leaders to inspire our residents to take an interest in and engage with their communities, and how it presents an opportunity to lead in new and growing ways.
To download a toolkit from NACo for our NCGM activities, click here.
Counties to get $43.5M for marijuana payments
Seventy-one counties will share in $43.5 million in revenue from the Michigan Department of Treasury for the taxes and fees collected in state fiscal 2023 under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (Initiated Law 1 of 2018).
The distribution rate for FY 2023 adult-use marijuana payments is slightly over $59,000 per licensed marijuana retail store or microbusiness. Each city, village, township and county will receive a payment based on the number of licensed marijuana retail stores and microbusinesses located within its jurisdiction as of September 30, 2023.
A listing of adult-use marijuana payments can be found in the following document:
For more information about distributions under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, go to www.michigan.gov/revenuesharing. Questions regarding payments can be emailed to TreasRevenueSharing@michigan.gov or call 517-335-7484.
Forum will focus on mass shootings and local responses
A forum to brief county and other local leaders on resources to prevent and respond to mass shootings will be held on April 17 in Lansing.
“School Mass Shooting & Critical Incident Preparedness Forum: The Role of Local Leaders” which run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Lansing, 925 S. Creyts Rd.
“The MSU and Oxford Village shootings have taught us that a school shooting can happen anywhere at any time. We owe it to our children to be prepared. Give the importance of this issue, former Dayton, Ohio, Mayor Nan Whaley (who responded to a mass shooting in Dayton) and Lansing Mayor Andy Schor will be keynote speakers. They will be joined by subject matter experts who will brief us on crisis communications, victim services, law enforcement training needs, school safety and available resources for county and other local leaders,” explained event organizer Sarah Peck of the Public Health Advocacy Institute at Northeastern University’s School of Law.
Registration link: https://www.chds.us/in/registration/?event=3355
Contact Peck at s.peck@phai.org for questions.
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‘Fiscally Ready’ session will feature advice on budget work
How to process and communicate your budget will be among the topics explored at the next “Fiscally Ready Communities” webinar on March 14.
The Michigan Department of Treasury and Michigan State University Extension (MSU Extension) host these free trainings that are designed to assist appointed and elected officials with entry and intermediate level budgeting knowledge.
The March 14 session, which will run from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Eastern), will feature:
- The budget process and communicating your budget
- Dealing with uncertainty in a changing economy
- Understanding key financial variables, such as:
- The “rainy day fund”/fund balance/net position
- Understanding how the tax base provides revenue
- Understanding volatile revenue
- Forecasting revenue and expenditures
- How to track your budget performance, including reviewing and amending your budget
- How spending in the present will have an impact on the future.
Click here to register.
For more information about Fiscally Ready Communities, please check out the Treasury Fiscally Ready Communities webpage.
For questions, email TreasLocalGov@michigan.gov with the subject line “Fiscally Ready.”
Comment sought on best practices for underfunded retirement plans
The Municipal Stability Board is soliciting feedback on February 2024 revisions to the Corrective Action Plan Development: Best Practices and Strategies document, which was originally issued in 2018.
Section 8 of Public Act 202 of 2017 requires the Municipal Stability Board (the Board) to review and annually update a list of best practices and strategies that will assist underfunded local governments in developing their corrective action plans. At their meeting on Feb. 21, the Board approved an updated best practices and strategies document, which can be viewed at the Board’s website along with other documents at Municipal Stability Board.
The Best Practices and Strategies document includes the following three best practice principles: Plan Funding, Modern Plan Design, and Effective Plan Administration. It also includes detailed corrective action plan approval criteria, including underfunded status, legality, and affordability.
Any individual or organization that would like to submit comments should provide those comments in writing by March 15, 2024.
Comments may be submitted by email to LocalRetirementReporting@michigan.gov with the subject line titled, “Best Practices Comment: 2024.”
Staff picks
Legislation to secure key trial court funding has passed out of the House, and recently introduced Senate bills on the subject received a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee this week.
A 10-bill package designed to restrict ― but not eliminate ― local governments’ power to regulate short term-rentals, while allowing for a 6 percent excise tax was the subject of the House Local Government Committee meeting this week. House Bills 5437-5446 did not receive a vote in committee this week, and further hearings are anticipated.
Democrats again will hold a 56-54 edge in the Michigan House of Representatives after two special elections held Tuesday.
Learn your options about social media posting in April 22 webinar
Hosted by the Local Government Legal Center (LGLC), legal experts will lead a discussion of the Lindke v. Freed decision in which the Supreme Court set forth the test for when local government officials are considered “state actors” for the purposes of the First Amendment when they post on social media.
Click here to register. The webinar begins at 2 p.m. Eastern.
The LGLC is a coalition of national local government organizations formed in 2023 by the National Association of Counties (NACo), National League of Cities (NLC), International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) and Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) to provide education to local governments regarding the Supreme Court and its impact on local governments and local officials and to advocate for local government positions at the Supreme Court in appropriate cases.
Capital improvements are subject of April 22 ‘Fiscally Ready’ session
Recurring annual expenses are simple to budget, but repair and replacement of big-ticket items can be much more difficult. A Capital Improvement Program (CIP) will help your local government organize those major projects and forecast the expenses to make long-term planning simpler. This session will cover the basics of a CIP, best practices, and give participants a chance to share techniques that have worked for their community, as well as policies, procedures, and accounting for capital asset management and planning.
Click here to register for the event, which runs from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern.
For more information about Fiscally Ready Communities, please check out the Treasury Fiscally Ready Communities webpage. This webpage includes Treasury’s 32-page Fiscally Ready Communities Best Practices document, which we encourage all local officials to review.
If you have any questions, email TreasLocalGov@michigan.gov with the subject line “Fiscally Ready.”
Legislative Update 4-12-24
MAC news, Blog, Events, Legislative, MACSC, Marketing, NACo
Fee authority for courts likely to expire without legislative intervention
House Bill 5392, by Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Jackson), extends a quickly approaching May 1, 2024, expiration (“sunset”) of the authority of trial courts to levy fees that constitute a key part of their operational funding.
However, HB 5392 is “tie-barred” to a separate measure through actions of the House Judiciary Committee. The companion bill, HB 5534, by Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Oakland), outlines a plan for the State Court Administrative Office to conduct data collection on certain trial court costs and revenue sources and provide a report to the Legislature with proposals to implement the Trial Court Funding Commission’s recommendations from 2019. A “tie-bar” means both bills must advance together.
MAC sees broad support for the sunset extension, but the prospects for the companion bill are much less clear. If, for political reasons, the legislation is delayed and not signed before May 1, a funding gap will result.
As we approach May 1, and the bills have yet to receive a vote, it is increasing likely fee authority for courts will expire. Courts stand to lose nearly $50 million in operational funding annually if HB 5392 does not pass. This loss of revenue, if not covered by the state, will fall on the counties to cover.
With the likelihood for the fee authority to expire, the State Court Administrative Office sent a memo to courts last week, encouraging them to work with counties to establish a back-up funding plan.
While we are expecting the authority to expire on May 1, MAC anticipates the bills will still be signed in May. MAC is advocating for state funding to be appropriated to counties in the event a funding gap is created, to the tune of $1 million per week.
MAC supports both HB 5392 and 5534, with our priority to move HB 5392 and extend the funding authority prior to May 1.
MAC is asking members to take immediate action to urge quick legislative passage. Please visit MAC’s advocacy center to share your support for HBs 5392 and 5534 with your elected officials. The legislative window is closing, as there are limited days for the Legislature to advance the bills to the governor prior to May 1.
For more information on this issue, contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.
Executive Director Stephan Currie with official County Government Month resolution.
Legislative resolution recognizes ‘County Government Month’
April has been designated National County Government Month in Michigan after the Senate approved a resolution this week.
Resolution 105, by Sens. Jeff Irwin (D-Washtenaw) and Sylvia Santana (D-Wayne), was requested by MAC as part of National County Government Month festivities led by the National Association of Counties. Irwin is a former Washtenaw County commissioner and a member of MAC’s County Caucus.
This recognition is an opportunity to highlight the hard work of county officials and the multitude of services county governments provide. Since 1991, the National Association of Counties has pushed for all states to celebrate counties throughout the month of April.
Impact on counties of federal PFAS rule as yet unclear
The federal government has issued new drinking water standards pertaining to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced this week the “first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard.”
There are 66,000 public drinking water systems in the U.S. and the EPA estimates that between 6 percent and 10 percent of those systems will need to take action to meet the new standards. The federal government has made available $1 billion in funding to test and treat both private and public water supplies for PFAS.
Michigan has been a national leader in PFAS testing and treatment since at least 2017 with the creation of the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART). While MPART has already sampled every public drinking water system in the state, it is not yet publicly known how many, if any, will be impacted by the new standards.
For more information on MAC’s environmental policy work, contact Madeline Fata at fata@micounties.org.
Trial court legislation still stuck in Lansing calendar, Podcast 83 reports
“So, at this time, unfortunately, we’re still held up on trial court funding legislation in the House,” Gibson said. “What’s becoming increasingly likely, and what I think will end up happening, is once the two vacant house seats are filled after those special elections, April 16, maybe. So, let’s say April 23 or 24, maybe the House will vote the bills out, then the Senate is going to have a hearing on some Senate versions of those bills on the 18th. So, whenever the House bills get over there, they can just get sent right to the Senate floor. … We probably will be looking at a week or so after May 1 for implementation of the new sunset.”
In that case, MAC will be pressing the state to reimburse counties for the approximately $1 million per week that will be lost in operating revenue, as it did the last time the fee authority expired in the fall of 2022.
Also reviewed in this week’s episode are:
The potential effects of legislation just signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on hotel/motel tax authority for Kent and seven other counties.
The timing for the passage of the state’s FY25 budget this spring with the statewide election calendar looming.
View the full episode, recorded on April 8, by clicking here.
Previous episodes can be seen at MAC’s YouTube Channel.
And you always can find details about Podcast 83 on the MAC website.
April 16 webinar set on harm reduction and opioid treatment meds
Many people have negative reactions when they hear “methadone” or “needle exchange,” but these are two of several science-backed ways to improve health and prevent deaths among people who use drugs. This presentation provides a broad overview of two kinds of interventions that science shows can help people who use drugs: medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), sch as methadone, and harm reduction, which includes services like needle and syringe programs. We will explain how these interventions work, show evidence of their effectiveness, and address common misconceptions about them.
Register to attend here.
The series is hosted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with Michigan State University, University of Michigan and Wayne State University as part of their Technical Assistance Collaborative.
For more information on opioid settlements are technical assistance, contact Amy Dolinky at dolinky@micounties.org.
New tool provides ‘one-stop shop’ for your grant searches
The MI Funding Hub is a new effort led by the Michigan Municipal League and state Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to develop one-stop shop for grants. The hub provides open access to a searchable database of federal and state funding sources as well as philanthropic foundations that can be queried based on type of applicant and funding category as funding becomes available.
The hub provides a monthly newsletter announcing new grants, webinars and grant readiness training.
Local officials also have free access to hands-on technical assistance from a team of experts across many fields through the MI Funding Hub helpdesk. After receiving your helpdesk request form, the team will schedule a meeting to discuss funding needs, answer funding questions, direct applicants to appropriate funding sources and coach you on developing application strategies.
Services provided through the MI Funding Hub do not include writing grant applications, but MAC’s CoProPlus subsidiary does have a pre-negotiated grant writing contract available.
Get started by watching a recorded introductory webinar.
Use cyber courses to bolster your county’s defenses
In early April, Grand Traverse County was hit with a “spear phishing” attack through its email system. The county’s IT team was able to ward off the assault, but this is yet another reminder that digital security is a fundamental duty for any county government in the 21st century.
The NACo Cyberattack Simulation is a reality-based simulation that prepares county risk leaders for cyberattacks by assessing counties’ current state of readiness and identifying gaps. This simulation will help attendees evaluate their incident response procedures and tools and guide them in developing a detailed cyberattack response strategy.
Upcoming sessions will focus on:
The NACo Cyberattack Simulation is designed for cybersecurity managers, their teams and those responsible for risk defense, protection, and recovery, including HR, policy management, finance, public safety and emergency services. It requires 30-60 minutes per day for one week. Activities can be completed on the participants’ schedule and accessed online anywhere.
The retail price of the one week Cyberattack Simulation is $795 per enrollee; however, the simulations are fully sponsored for all counties, bringing your price down to ZERO.
To learn more or enroll, email moderator@pdaleadership.com.
Electronic options now offered on payments from state
The LCSA issues thousands of checks each year to local governments and a number of these remain uncashed. Issuing physical checks means there’s a greater chance of those funds being lost.
While we do work with the local units to try to locate checks and/or reissue them, if necessary, this process can take months.
As a result, we are commencing an electronic payment outreach program with the goal of ensuring local governments receive payments required under state statute(s). Our partners at Plante Moran are launching an outreach effort to contact local units of government directly to set up electronic payment.
LCSA offers two options for electronic deposit: through an ACH or through a Michigan Class participant-to-participant transfer.
If you would like to begin the simple process of converting to electronic payment, email us at electronicpayment@lcsami.gov. For questions, please contact Samantha Harkins, ceo@michiganmsa.org.
Opioid settlement metrics tool released
OSPRI was developed by a working group from Vital Strategies and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with additional contributions from the Pew Charitable Trusts, Shatterproof, the CDC Foundation, and the National Association of Counties.
For additional information or technical assistance with monitoring investments, contact Amy Dolinky at dolinky@micounties.org.
Legislative Update 3-29-24
Blog, Events, Legislative, MAC news, MACSC, Marketing, NACo
Lenawee commissioner explains beginnings of ballot campaign on energy sites
So explained Lenawee County Commissioner Kevon Martis about the ballot campaign he and other concerned citizens formed now to contest Public Act 233, the controversial state law adopted in 2023 on the siting of renewable energy facilities.
“Public Act 233 has really taken away any meaningful local control of wind, solar and battery storage regulation,” Martis explained to Podcast 83 host Stephan Currie in a new special episode. “We’ve taken the approach that people should have a vote on this, and we’re trying to place the repeal of that local zoning preemption on the ballot this November.”
Under the name “Citizens for Local Choice,” this group wants voters to have a chance to modify the law to protect local control.
“We introduced this as initiated legislation and that legislation targets only the local zoning preemption (in the law),” Martis explained. “We’re not touching any of the energy policy side of this.”
“My strong recommendation to (Michigan’s county commissioners) is if each of you go out and collect one or two pages of signatures ― and each page has 12 signatures ― that will make a meaningful difference in our efforts,” Martis said.
View the full episode, recorded on March 22, by clicking here.
Previous episodes can be seen at MAC’s YouTube Channel.
And you always can find details about Podcast 83 on the MAC website.
Use new portal to help state direct broadband investments
The maps were initially built using data from internet service providers, state, and federal entities. The challenge process is meant to fact-check that data and ensure funds are being allocated accurately. The challenge began on March 25 and will run through April 23.
Residents are unable to submit challenge results directly to the state, however, Merit has generated a portal for this purpose. Merit is a nonprofit regional research and education network which will gather residential data from the portal and submit it to the state on behalf of individuals. Community leaders should refer their constituents to the Merit platform to participate in the challenge.
For more information on MAC’s advocacy on broadband, contact Madeline Fata at fata@micounties.org.
MAC-backed bill to expand drug courts awaits House vote
House Bill 4525, by Rep. Graham Filler (R-Clinton), would amend state law to allow certain offenders to be admitted to a drug treatment court with the approval of the judge, prosecutor and any known victim.
HB 4525 is part of a three-bill package, including HBs 4523 and 4524, by Reps. Kara Hope (D-Ingham) and Joey Andrews (D-Berrien), respectively. The package would expand the use of mental health and drug treatment courts, which are currently limited to nonviolent offenders, to include certain violent offenders ― but again only with approval from a judge and prosecutor and consent of any victim.
The bills were voted out of the Senate; however, they were sent back to the House, as they are required to provide a concurrence vote due to amendments made in the Senate. Despite prior approval in the House, HBs 4523 and 4525 failed to move, and likely will not receive another vote until later this spring.
MAC supports this legislation.
For more information on this issue, contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.
NACo webinar to give update on ‘elective pay’ under federal IRA
An April 16 webinar from the National Association of Counties is designed to answer county questions about the “elective pay” portion of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
On March 5, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) issued final regulations for the elective pay mechanism established in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Using elective pay, also known as direct pay, counties and other tax-exempt entities can monetize certain clean energy tax credits that they have previously been unable to access due to their lack of tax liability. Treasury also unveiled a new proposed rule to provide criteria regarding the eligibility of certain ownership structures to claim elective pay. During this webinar, counties will hear from Treasury and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on these new regulations and other funding opportunities available under IRA.
To register for the webinar on April 16, which will run from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern, click here.
County efforts earn Hometown Health Hero awards
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the award, which is presented to individuals and/or organizations that have made significant and measurable contributions to preserve and improve their community’s health. Awardees are selected solely from nominations received.
Washtenaw County’s Community Voices for Health Equity will receive one of 10 awards this year.
Honorable Mentions will be awarded to:
All the awards will be presented on April 10 at 11:30 a.m. in the Atrium of Heritage Hall in the State Capitol. The event is open to the public. The event is held during Michigan Public Health Week, whose theme this year is f “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.”
Legislative Update 3-8-24
Blog, Events, Legislative, MAC news, MACSC, Marketing, NACo
House committee hears testimony as trial court funding deadline looms
Trial court funding sources (April 2023).
Legislative efforts ramped up this week to address funding for Michigan’s trial courts, which are now facing the legal expiration of a key funding source.
Action is now in the House Judiciary Committee and focused on two bills: House Bill 5392, by Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Jackson), extends the current May 1, 2024, sunset date on the authority of courts to levy fees to May 1, 2026; and House Bill 5534, by Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Oakland), which outlines a plan for the State Court Administrative Office to collect data on trial court costs and revenue sources and provide a report to the Legislature with proposals to implement the Trial Court Funding Commission’s recommendations from 2019.
MAC is supporting both efforts, though its immediate focus is on HB 5392, since inaction would create an immediate funding gap. MAC testified to this point on Wednesday.
Courts stand to lose nearly $50 million in operational funding annually if HB 5392 does not pass. This loss of revenue, if not supplemented by the state, will fall on the counties to cover.
It is expected that HB 5392 will advance out of committee in an amended form to set a Dec. 31, 2026, sunset on fee authority.
Political dynamics in the House, however, could delay passage of both bills. The bills are expected to be tie-barred, meaning one cannot move through the legislative process without the other.
The bills are likely to be voted out by the committee next week and move to the House floor.
For more information on this issue, contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.
MAC urges passage of bill to deter unfunded mandates on locals
Deena Bosworth testifies on HB 5353 before the House Local Government Committee.
A renewed effort to require legislators to consider the fiscal implications of new mandates on local governments prior to enacting them received MAC’s support in testimony before the House Local Government Committee this week.
House Bill 5353, by Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Kent), is a re-introduction of legislation that’s been introduced every legislative session since the Legislative Commission on Unfunded Mandates issued its report in 2009. In the last Legislature, Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Dickinson) was able to move SB 449 out of committee before it stalled on the Senate floor.
HB 5353, as with previous iterations, seeks a fiscal note process for legislation and departmental rules that increase or create new mandates on local units of government. It requires the identification of additional mandated services and a cost estimate for those services prior to the third reading of the bills in the originating legislative chamber or prior to the implementation of new departmental rules. This approach will allow legislators to have prior knowledge of the potential costs and be able to weigh their support or opposition based on complete information.
Funds required to perform the new mandates must be appropriated and sent out to local units before the locals would have to comply with the new mandates. The bill would affect new bills and rules only.
Twenty-eight states have similar reporting requirements, and many states have requirements that mandates must be funded. Michigan’s “Headlee Amendment” already requires that our mandates be funded. However, this requirement has not been routinely met.
With county-controlled resources (property taxes) already constrained by Headlee and Proposal A, additional service requirements imposed on counties by the state must come with the resources to meet them, MAC’s Deena Bosworth told committee members this week during her testimony (see 39:00 mark).
No vote was taken on the bill this week, but MAC is hopeful the bill will advance this spring.
For more information on this issue, contact Deena Bosworth at bosworth@micounties.org.
Senate appropriations panel hears from MAC on juvenile justice reforms
Panel Chair Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Wayne) convened a hearing to gauge the state of juvenile justice reform at the state and county level and determine the needs of counties and courts providing juvenile justice services.
MAC’s Samantha Gibson was among stakeholders who spoke to the struggles faced at the county level in providing care and support to youth in the justice system.
Among the reforms from enacted last year and now being implemented, the Child Care Fund reimbursement rate increase from 50 percent to 75 percent is most beneficial, Gibson told the panel, allowing courts and counties to expand on previously provided programs or possibly create new ones they could not fund prior to the increased reimbursement rate.
MAC once again called on legislators and the Department of Health and Human Services to assist in addressing the staffing shortage in juvenile detention facilities. More funding to counties is needed to boost staff wages and, in turn, promote more effective recruitment and retention efforts.
Additional hearings on this topic are expected in coming weeks.
For more information on this issue, contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.
State gets federal grant for juvenile services
The department intends to use these federal dollars to create more beds and more appropriate placement options for high-risk youth in need of long-term residential treatment. According to MDHHS, Project activities include:
For more information on this issue, contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.
House committee backs bill to address sheriff staffing
House Bill 5203, by Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Oakland), received unanimous support from the House Local Government Committee and now moves to the House floor.
At present, if a person receiving retirement benefits becomes re-employed by the same county, their retirement payments are suspended for the length of their re-employment. The bill would allow retirement benefits to continue during re-employment if a retiree is hired by a sheriff’s office.
Allowing this practice would help address the severe staffing shortages seen within county sheriff’s offices.
MAC supports this legislation.
For more information on this issue, contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.
Podcast team discusses MAC’s behind-the-scenes efforts at Capitol
The legislative slowdown continues from the results of last November’s elections when the Democrats lost their majority in the House, leaving a 54-54 chamber that will remain tied until the end of April when new members are seated for two vacancies.
MAC, however, continues to crisscross the Capitol campus to brief legislators on county priorities and needs.
MAC, for example, testified last week before a Senate appropriations panel on the association’s opioid settlement efforts and the reaction was widely positive, Samantha Gibson reported.
“Our feeling on feedback from senators after that committee hearing was that they were really glad and impressed to hear about what was going on at MAC,” Gibson said. “It is important to note that I don’t believe anyone has started spending their settlement dollars yet and that’s because counties are really taking the time to hear from stakeholders and make sure that as many people as possible are engaged in the process, that they’re going to spend those dollars as effectively as they can.”
Director of Governmental Affairs Deena Bosworth spoke about her planned testimony on House Bill 5353 (see item above).
“MAC has always been supportive of any kind of unfunded mandates legislation dating back to 2009, when the legislative commission on unfunded mandates issued their report,” Bosworth explained. “We have not been successful in getting this all the way through the process and enacted. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we can cross that threshold this time.
“The only teeth (in the bill) are that we don’t have to comply … if they don’t follow the fiscal note process,” Bosworth added. “
View the full video of the episode, recorded on March 4, by clicking here.
Previous episodes can be seen at MAC’s YouTube Channel.
And you always can find details about Podcast 83 on the MAC website.
Webinars explain how to challenge internet connection maps
While individuals may complete the testing process, they cannot submit the data themselves. Only local units of government, tribal governments, internet service providers and nonprofit can submit this data to MIHI.
Many county buildings are considered community anchor institutes, so they are able to challenge their connection status through the process.
MAC will share reminders as the start of the challenge process nears. In the meantime, MIHI will be hosting two upcoming webinars for participants to learn more:
For more information on MAC’s work on broadband issues, contact Madeline Fata at fata@micounties.org.
EPA opens grant program on hazardous waste
“U.S. EPA Region 5 has opened the FY2024-2025 Source Reduction Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity. This regional competitive grant program provides funding for projects that promote practical source reduction practices, tools, and training or Pollution Prevention (P2) approaches, such as reducing single-use plastics or using green cleaning or other safer chemical alternatives.
“Tribes, States, local governments and not-for-profit organizations are eligible for funding. Region 5 anticipates awarding 1-4 projects ranging from $40,000-$240,000 up to a total of $240,000 in federal funds. The number of awards is subject to the availability of funds, the quality of applications received, and other applicable considerations. The application deadline is April 15, 2024.”
While a variety of projects are eligible, the program’s priority areas are:
For additional support, contact Claudia Santiago at 312-886-0674 or Santiago.claudia@epa.gov.
NACo continues to accept Achievement Award applications
Applications are due March 30, 2024.
Michigan counties have won numerous awards in recent years for efforts ranging from the use of recycled materials for roads to cyber defense strategies to specialty courts.
Click here for more information or to begin your application process.
Please find the report, available here. It is also publicly accessible on the OAC’s website under “Commission Documents” > “Annual Reports.”
Also available is the 2024 supplemental brief. This document covers overarching themes, key takeaways/needs, and primary funding recommendations for appropriation from the Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund.
The OAC is also in the process of finalizing its “Action Guide”, anticipated for release later this month. The Action Guide will lay out steps that state leaders can take to support/adopt OAC recommendations.
For information about MAC’s work on opioid settlements, click the image or contact Amy Dolinky at dolinky@micounties.org.
Legislative Update 3-1-24
NACo, Blog, Events, Legislative, MAC news, MACSC, Marketing
Legislative Conference keynoter will address leadership in times of change
Retired Adm. Peter Cressy, director of Executive Leadership Programs at the Washington Leadership Institute, will speak on:
“Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Churchill: A Strategic Approach to Leading in Times of Crisis and Change: Washington and these other great leaders manifested eight common characteristics in leading during times of crisis and change, ranging from visibility and communication to planning and collaboration. This popular session will explore examples of these traits during the times of crisis each of these outstanding leaders faced, which remain relevant today.”
Registration is now open for the 2024 conference, with sessions at both the DoubleTree (formerly Radisson Hotel) and the Lansing Center. The event is co-hosted by the Michigan County Medical Care Facilities Council (MCMCFC).
Additional plenary sessions will feature:
Breakout sessions on current challenges for county leaders, including broadband funding updates, lessons learned from the opioid settlements, impact of renewable energy siting legislation, options for infrastructure funding to address the expansion of electric vehicles and much more!
A Legislative Reception will be held on the evening of Tuesday, April 30.
Registration is online only and may be done by clicking here.
Member – Full Conference Rate | $425
Member – Two-Day Rate | $370
Member – One-Day Rate | $125 to $245 (depending on day)
Non-Member – Full Conference Rate | $525
Non-Member – Two-Day Rate | $470
Non-Member – One-Day Rate | $165 to $305 (depending on day)
Spouse Meal Package Rate | $225
The DoubleTree (formerly Radisson Hotel) is providing a special group rate of $142.95 for the event and is connected via the newly renovated pedestrian bridge to the Lansing Center itself. The bridge now offers improved lighting, new security systems, ventilation system and carpet.
Check-in is 4 p.m.; check-out is noon. MAC has designed the conference agenda to ensure attendees will have no issues in coordinating their schedules on check-out day.
The cutoff date to reserve your room is April 4, 2024. There is no guarantee that rooms will be available until April 4, so you are encouraged to reserve early.
For agenda details and other information, please consult the MAC website.
MAC briefs Senate panel on opioid settlement efforts
The committee also heard testimony from DHHS and the Opioid Advisory Commission (OAC).
In her testimony Dolinky highlighted MAC’s role in providing planning and capacity building for opioid settlement funds. MAC has created a toolkit for local spending, resource center, resource library, local government learning community, informational webinars, and numerous other resources and templates for use by local governments.
Dolinky reported that 66 counties have engaged in some capacity with MAC’s technical assistance. Most counties have created steering committees to ensure stakeholder engagement, review local data and develop recommendations of priority areas where funds may be used to share with their boards of commissioners.
MAC has advised for intentional effort to include local voices in planning processes and decision-making, as well as long-term and sustainability planning efforts. Most counties have not yet spent funds, Dolinky explained, as they are focused on ensuring they understand the specific needs of their communities and the ways in which funds can be best leveraged alongside other funding sources addressing substance use.
Later that day, Dolinky participated in a media discussion on opioid settlement work with other health policy leaders in Michigan. To view or listen to that discussion, click here.
For more information on the opioid services, contact Amy Dolinky at dolinky@micounties.org.
Michigan counties that asked their residents for revenue support this week achieved a 90 percent success rate, according to results collated by the Gongwer News Service.
Nineteen of 21 county-related millage requests (either renewals or increases) gained voter approval, a success rate of 90 percent, well above the overall rate of 83 percent for all millage elections this cycle.
Click here to see county results.
National County Government Month (NCGM), held each April, is an annual celebration of county government. Since 1991, the National Association of Counties (NACo) has encouraged counties to actively promote county roles and responsibilities in serving residents. Counties can schedule activities any time during the month. NCGM is an excellent opportunity for your county to highlight effective or innovative county programs and raise public awareness of services provided to the community.
This year’s National County Government Month theme is consistent with NACo President Mary Jo McGuire’s focus for the year, ForwardTogether.
ForwardTogether is about connecting, inspiring and leading – pillars of county government that build trust and drive towards solutions. Counties are encouraged to reflect on this theme as you choose how to celebrate NCGM. In particular, consider how NCGM is so intrinsically connected to the responsibility of county leaders to inspire our residents to take an interest in and engage with their communities, and how it presents an opportunity to lead in new and growing ways.
To download a toolkit from NACo for our NCGM activities, click here.
Counties to get $43.5M for marijuana payments
The distribution rate for FY 2023 adult-use marijuana payments is slightly over $59,000 per licensed marijuana retail store or microbusiness. Each city, village, township and county will receive a payment based on the number of licensed marijuana retail stores and microbusinesses located within its jurisdiction as of September 30, 2023.
A listing of adult-use marijuana payments can be found in the following document:
For more information about distributions under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, go to www.michigan.gov/revenuesharing. Questions regarding payments can be emailed to TreasRevenueSharing@michigan.gov or call 517-335-7484.
Forum will focus on mass shootings and local responses
“School Mass Shooting & Critical Incident Preparedness Forum: The Role of Local Leaders” which run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Lansing, 925 S. Creyts Rd.
“The MSU and Oxford Village shootings have taught us that a school shooting can happen anywhere at any time. We owe it to our children to be prepared. Give the importance of this issue, former Dayton, Ohio, Mayor Nan Whaley (who responded to a mass shooting in Dayton) and Lansing Mayor Andy Schor will be keynote speakers. They will be joined by subject matter experts who will brief us on crisis communications, victim services, law enforcement training needs, school safety and available resources for county and other local leaders,” explained event organizer Sarah Peck of the Public Health Advocacy Institute at Northeastern University’s School of Law.
Registration link: https://www.chds.us/in/registration/?event=3355
Contact Peck at s.peck@phai.org for questions.
>div id=”ready”>‘Fiscally Ready’ session will feature advice on budget work
The Michigan Department of Treasury and Michigan State University Extension (MSU Extension) host these free trainings that are designed to assist appointed and elected officials with entry and intermediate level budgeting knowledge.
The March 14 session, which will run from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Eastern), will feature:
Click here to register.
For more information about Fiscally Ready Communities, please check out the Treasury Fiscally Ready Communities webpage.
For questions, email TreasLocalGov@michigan.gov with the subject line “Fiscally Ready.”
Comment sought on best practices for underfunded retirement plans
Section 8 of Public Act 202 of 2017 requires the Municipal Stability Board (the Board) to review and annually update a list of best practices and strategies that will assist underfunded local governments in developing their corrective action plans. At their meeting on Feb. 21, the Board approved an updated best practices and strategies document, which can be viewed at the Board’s website along with other documents at Municipal Stability Board.
The Best Practices and Strategies document includes the following three best practice principles: Plan Funding, Modern Plan Design, and Effective Plan Administration. It also includes detailed corrective action plan approval criteria, including underfunded status, legality, and affordability.
Any individual or organization that would like to submit comments should provide those comments in writing by March 15, 2024.
Comments may be submitted by email to LocalRetirementReporting@michigan.gov with the subject line titled, “Best Practices Comment: 2024.”