Added on May 13, 2019  Sara Swanson

Public Notice: Village of Manchester

Village of Manchester Citizens Advisory Committee on proposed incorporation as a home rule city

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

May 9, 2019

1. Why is the Village looking to change to a City?

The Village of Manchester has considered becoming a city at different times over the years, dating as far back as the 1970s. In Michigan, cities have more autonomy than villages due to their municipal structure, which means villages and townships are tied together in certain decision making even if it’s not beneficial for both village and township residents. Plus, in certain areas, such as tax collection, there are two layers of government as opposed to one, adding an extra layer that may not be necessary. Reflecting on the needs and interests of village residents and whether the current duplicative government structure serves the community and its future in the best way possible is what led to the exploration of becoming a city. At this stage, it’s an exploratory process and no decision has been made on whether to pursue such an endeavor. The Village Council has appointed a Citizens Advisory Committee to investigate the process, review the pros and cons from similar communities that have completed cityhood initiatives and give feedback on how this will impact the village and the surrounding communities. The committee will deliver its findings in a report to Village Council once complete.

2. How is a city different from a village?

A city has less duplicative government than a village. A city is considered a primary local unit of government by the state. A village is a subunit of the township. A village is not considered a primary local unit of government by the state as it does not assess or collect taxes (except its own village tax) and it does not conduct county, state and national elections. A city assumes the legally required duties of primary local units of government: 1.  Assessing property 2. Collecting taxes for the county and schools 3. Conducting county, state and national elections. A city also provides local public services such as fire/police protection, water supply, sewage disposal, zoning,  etc.

3. Will Village residents vote on this? 

Yes

4. Would this change affect my property taxes?

The change would be that Village property owners would no longer pay Township taxes. The City would, however, need to contract for fire protection that is currently provided by Manchester Township via township property taxes. A new city tax to fund this contract would be necessary and likely similar in amount to the current Manchester Township fire millage. 

5. How would the city pay for providing the required duties in #2 above?

The Village is currently providing many of these functions, either directly (water supply, sewage disposal, zoning), through contract (police protection) or through taxes to the Township (fire protection). Collecting county and school taxes (pass through to these entities) would utilize existing Village operations The assessment costs would be additional and would probably be contracted. The additional costs associated with conducting county, state and national elections would be procuring voting equipment, training the clerk, staffing the polling station and publication of notices. No additional Village staff would be required in providing these functions. Expenses for the additional work would be offset by the property tax administration fees currently collected by the Township.

6. Would the Village still provide fire protection as a city? 

Residents will continue to have fire protection services regardless of whether the community is a village or a city. If the Village of Manchester is incorporated as a city, officials would negotiate a contract for fire protection services. The taxes paid for fire protection would switch from township tax collection to city tax collection.

7. Would the Village still provide police protection as a city? 

Yes. Manchester, as a Village or City, would continue to contract with the Washtenaw County Sheriff Department for police coverage.

8. Would the Village limits change? 

The Village would propose keeping its current boundaries. The State Boundary Commission may initiate a change as part of its mandatory review.

9. Can we still be called a village? 

Yes

10. Would this affect current local events such as the Chicken Broil, Christmas in the Village, the Farmers Market, etc.? 

No