Clawson Considers Tax Increase As City Struggles
CLAWSON (WWJ) - Voters in Clawson are being asked to approve tax increase to offset a growing debt.
City Manager Mark Pollack says they've already done all they can to make up for declining property values, including 10-percent wage cuts from every city employee.
He told WWJ Newsradio 950's Sandra McNeil if the millage is not approved, there will be layoffs.
"We don't like the word 'threat' because it's our reality and we're not threatening to do anything," said Pollack. "We're gonna balance the budget and whatever it takes to do that, that's what we'll do."
The 4.2 mill 10-year increase would raise taxes by just over a 100 a year on an average $95,000 home. But Pollack says with ongoing plummeting home values, some people will be paying less in taxes than last year.
For Clawson residents: To calculate what the millage would do to your taxes, visit this link.
Meantime, in Franklin, voters are being asked to support two special millages -- one to support police and fire services, in addition to restoring the village's "rainy day" fund. And in Ferndale, residents are being asked to approve a $22.8 million bond for building improvements and technology upgrades within the Ferndale School District.
The polls close at 8 p.m.
