EAST LANSING, Mich. – East Lansing City Manager George Lahanas will be hosting his final presentation highlighting facts about East Lansing’s financial situation and the income tax ballot proposal at a community meeting taking place tomorrow (Tuesday), July 31 at 6 p.m. at Red Cedar Spirits, 2000 Merritt Road. All interested community members are encouraged to attend.
Over the course of several months, Lahanas has presented to neighborhood associations, boards, commissions and community groups. This City-wide community meeting will be the final opportunity for all community members to hear all facts surrounding the proposal and ask in-person questions.
The income tax proposal will be on the August 7, 2018 Primary Election ballot. While similar to the previous proposal voted on in November 2017, this ballot proposal includes three key differences. The income tax would be time-limited to 12 years and the approximately $5 million that would be generated annually would be dedicated for specific purposes: 20% to police and fire protection, 20% to infrastructure (maintenance and improvement of streets and sidewalks; water and sewer systems; and parks, and recreation, and City-owned facilities) and 60% to supplemental payments for unfunded pension liabilities for retired City employees. Additionally, the current proposal is a City Charter amendment instead of a policy resolution, meaning it cannot be changed by any City Council without another Charter amendment, which would require a vote of the people.
Community members can visit www.cityofeastlansing.com/incometax to find additional information about the proposal, including an FAQ, an Income Tax Calculator and more.