Guest Writes: Save Pools, Schools, Books, Cooks . . .
Morris Goodman, a Dearborn attorney, past president of the Dearborn Democratic Club, a longtime political activist and observer and regular reader of Deepsaidwhat.com, attended this week’s meeting at city hall to discuss the future of six of the city’s small neighborhood pools. He sent this column to us on the matter of the city’s budget.
In his column below, Goodman writes that he thinks there might be some interest in trying to get Dearbornites to make voluntary contributions equal to their reductions in property taxes to specific projects in Dearborn (pools being one of them) if tax deductions could be obtained. It is an interesting idea and one Goodman says he has shared with our elected officials.
His column begins below:
No, this is not a column about Dr. Suess, but the problems Dearborn faces because of the sharp decline in our city’s property values could be a scary fairy tale.
Morris Goodman
As everyone knows throughout the State of Michigan, local tax assessors, especially Dearborn’s, have verified that property assessments have gone down, with the result that property tax revenues will decrease. Mayor John B. O’Reilly has cautioned that there is up to a $20 million shortfall in the city’s budget for 2011-2012.
Clearly, there are many, many people in Dearborn whose reduced economic condition makes a decrease in property taxes very welcome. Presumably, however, there are also many, many Dearbornites whose incomes and wealth (excluding their home’s value) have not only, not gone down, but in fact increased. Presumably thousands of Dearborn residents are either Ford workers, retirees, or just shareholders. Ford’s profitability and stock value have both soared. A Ford share’s value was about $1.50 a share in March 2009 and is now in excess of $12.50 a share, an over 800% jump. Moreover, Ford workers are about to get profit sharing checks.
For those who are doing OK financially, it might be more important to them that Dearborn’s historically wonderful services – both municipal and educational – be maintained rather than they pocket the difference between what they previously paid in property taxes and the smaller amount now. If these people could be convinced that if they contribute this property tax “windfall” to a specific fund that certain services they prize will be maintained maybe they will do so.
There have been reports that the city is looking to balance its budget by cutting 6 of 8 swimming pools, cutting library personnel and hours of operation, as well as cuts to other cherished services such as frequency of trash pick-up and mowing of city owned property. There are also reports that the Dearborn Public Schools will have to cut the already lowered number of teachers in the fall.
Perhaps these draconian measures can be stopped, or at a minimum lessened, if those who can afford to, give essentially earmarked money for the specific services they want to preserve. There is, of course, the issue of how to get large amounts of money donated and to whom the money should be given.
Classic fund raising efforts – from church building to medical research to the arts – have always had campaigns that get like minded people together in an event setting to get a synergistic dynamic. Further, they give great recognition to those who do donate and/or participate in the fund raising effort. Obviously, the city and school board’s public relations staff can be harnessed along with local media – including the Press and Guide and the Times Herald – to attract and celebrate donors and helpers.
There is already a Dearborn Education Foundation that could receive money donated under this proposal money so that the donor gets a tax deduction. Money donated could be used to hire additional personnel for the Dearborn schools, but who would not be DPS employees to avoid problems with Michigan’s school funding laws.
There are also other existing Dearborn non-profit 501c3 tax-exempt organizations that could be harnessed to receive donations that could be used for municipal purposes –specifically, to help keep city owned pools and libraries operating at existing levels. Once again people could be hired by the non-profits to do city work, but not be city employees to avoid problem with out sourcing issues.
Is this idea just another pie-in-the sky nostrum of the ultimate knee-jerk liberal? That’s up to someone else to decide.
All I know is that Dearborn residents have consistently supported school millages and re-elected over and over responsible pragmatic municipal and school board officials. Their hands are tied, for all practical purposes, with respect to raising taxes. They are collectively doing their best with their limited resources to maintain Dearborn’s high standards. They need help and, if properly asked, (with tax deductions thrown in as a kicker) Dearbornites should once again rise to the task of providing the funding to maintain the wonderful quality of life that has been created here over many generations.
April 15th, 2010 at 9:39 am
If we really want to save the pools, all 8 of them, upgrade them and maintain them, then we have to be able to secure more financing. Increasing the sales tax, which is a consumption tax is one easy way, if the state will allow us to do that. Many cities in other states do that and it saves their libraries and pools.
We can float a bond like the schools did to improve their 3 high school athletic fields, put a special millage vote out dedicated to pools and libraries and there are cities that received federal government grants to save and/or upgrade their public pools. The grants won’t cover all of the work needed on all pools, but it is a start and we have to start somewhere.
As I’ve said all along and as Morris is saying, most all residences and businesses have decreasing property assessments, which means their taxes have gone down significantly the past few years. Last year alone our home received a $422 property tax reduction. If we want to save our pools and libraries, we need to be willing to ante up and pay more taxes. Even paying more than we’re being charged still amounts to paying less than we did last year.
April 15th, 2010 at 9:47 am
Morris,
I USE to think you were a smart businessman until you said you wanted to give this City more money. Really? The City that has wasted our tax dollars on the CSO project. The City that allowed people to steal money under their noses. The City that buys property like Wards and sells it for an 1/10th of what they paid. The City that sits on the right to sell Florida property until the value tanks even more. The City who rewards an employee for failure like Norwood. The City that spends taxpayer dollars to build parking garages instead of requiring the developer to build their own parking. The City that cannot make money or break even on a luxury like the Performing Arts Center (no one thought of raising the rates? Taxpayers are being drained for this even though we cannot use it unless we pay even more for a membership). This Administration will not get an extra dime from me. They have proven they cannot be trusted. I am willing to spend money on a new group of people to give it a try but I have seen what same old, same old has gotten me and I am NOT happy. When this City wakes up and elects some new people you can count on me for some extra money.
April 15th, 2010 at 11:49 am
The facts are that across the board, Dearborn home values have plummeted. It only makes sense tax rates would follow. Otherwise you’d have more cases like one I encountered a couple years ago. I saw a $200k-ish Dearborn home listed with real estate taxes of about 12k a year. The monthly tax bill exceeded the mortgage payment! Don’t see how anyone is going to be snapping up properties like that. Just my two cents.
April 15th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
It seems to me that it would be a much more effective strategy if there were a thorough analysis of the current budget. In times like these, priorities need to be established, and they start with the basics.
1. If any city employee is still receiving contributions into pension plans as part of their salary, then it should stop immediately. I’m not suggesting we cut previous agreements, but rather avoid paying more into pension plans. How many in the private sector are actually involved in a pension plan? Why should citizens be responsible for paying into a pension plan when it’s simply an expense that can no longer be paid for under any budget (federal, state, or city levels). Perhaps we can still afford to keep it for the police and fire departments, but all should be part of the analysis to determine if it’s affordable for the citizens.
2. Eliminate city departments that no longer serve a purpose
3. Explore possibilities of sharing carefully selected services between other cities to help reduce city infrastructure/costs where applicable
4. Sell the performing arts building. It’s a money drainer.
5. Basically anything else that deals with eliminating wasteful spending. The one thing government is not known for is creating alternatives for providing services more efficiently and effectively
After cutting wasteful spending or spending that can no longer be afforded (pensions), then we can re-evaluate the budget situation to see where we are at to determine the next steps. I honestly think that if the citizens felt the spending was reasonable and were somehow still short on the budget, then there would be a little more willingness to help keep the city above water. However, asking citizens to fork over more money when they see wasteful spending all the way up to the federal government, well, let’s just say that’s how tea parties are formed.
We need the horse before the carriage. Get to the basics of budgeting.
April 15th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
The lack of transparency and trust in the financial wheelings and dealings orchestrated by our so-called “city leaders” is what stops financially successful and solvent people like me from contributing another dime, dollar, or $50 toward increasing the coffers of these incompetent fools.
April 15th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
A look at Dearborn Heights’ budget–how does our compare? Anyone know?
http://dearbornheights.wordpress.com/2010/04/14/some-city-budget-for-you/
April 15th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Well, here is an intersting item I heard today: ALL full-time city employees get FREE pool tags every year – even those who live in Canton, Plymouth and Northville. I didn’t see that on the power point presentation the other night…must have forgotten that little tidbit. How trustworthy is this administration if they come out with the fact that they need to close the pools for money reasons, how could they simply reverse that decision so easily? Did they really need to close them and how much thought did they give to all of this. Do they just grab at ideas and thrust them forward? This decision should have been SO solid and absolutely essential before ever bringing it forward. Who among us would EVER take the bid of one contractor as fact, s the city did in representing the cost of maintenace on the pools. 1 bid!! And now we have suggestion from Mr. Goodman to “spread the wealth around”. Where have I heard that before? Let’s not check our waste and overspending, taking a good look at the budget, but let’s take from one to give to another.
BTW, for all the Dearborn nay sayers: I was talking to a surgeon in Novi today. He grew up in Dearborn and has great memories of the pools and riding his bike to Fairlane Mall, the home feeling of the neighborhoods. And guess what, he is 36 yrs old and said that many of his friends who have young families have lived in these other communities like Royal Oak, Canton, etc. Well, his friends have moved BACK to Dearborn. How do you like that? So, let’s keep an open mind and support our city. That should not at all be confused with supporting a Mayor and an adminstration that has no respect for it’s citizens, which was made crystal clear at the meeting the other night. To the city council, the people need to hear from you. We need to know who among you we can trust. Perhaps some door to door, meet the citizens would be more appropriate now that the election is over. What a novel idea? Who would think to get the views of your constituents AFTER they put you in office. I look forward to meeting you on the front stoop. Come by on ‘porch party’ night and you can talk to the whole block!! Actually, I like this idea. Look for an invitation.
April 15th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
oldalldayschoolmom:
You can’t possibly compare Dearborn to Dearborn Heights budget. Apples and Oranges!!!
Just a note:
The budget is printed in the City Calendar.
And since you are always bashing the Police…..
I am pretty sure most large cities in Michigan have 50% or more budgeted for their police departments. It only makes sense. As a taxpayer, I don’t have a problem with it.
Here is the BIG question:
What price should you put on Public Safety?
April 15th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Maybe we should have bumper stickers made to say:
Lay off some Dearborn Policemen and save our pools and libraries.
April 15th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Mr. Albano you are absolutely nuts — exactly what world do you live in? Dbn. Hts. mayor says he has enough money to make no cuts, and they have no industry in their City — maybe with the proper leadership we would have enough too.
April 15th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Dearborn Vs. Heights:
I believe we fund things differently in the Heights. For example I think we funded the the police station and various aspects of police and fire pay and benefits with bonds as opposed to the general fund. Would you like to fund Dearborn public safety this way? And then pay off the bonds with traffic enforcement on steroids like we do here? And pay the cops (whose pay and benefits you resent so much) with overtime?
Some of you folks remind me of the lady who was interviewed after the “Stimulus Package” was unveiled. “Where will the money come from for this package?”
“It’s Obama money!”
“Yes, but where will that money COME from?”
“Obama! Obama’s going to give it to us!”
They were either too stupid or too unwilling to admit that the money would be coming from taxpayers, or more accurately, the mere 53% of households that actually PAY federal income tax. Not only those taxpayers, but many, many taxpayers who haven’t even been BORN yet.
You can pay now or pay later. Cheaper to pay now but you’d have to take your head out of the sand. I know, I know: “You don’t live here, so shut up. Dearborn is very provincial and the opinions of ‘outsiders’ are not welcome. We’re too busy complaining about our leaders’ lack of ideas to come up with our own or listen to yours….”
As for Mr. Goodman: You’re kidding, right? People who have been living within their means and cutting back because they saw this debacle coming should now spend more of their money so those who didn’t don’t have to drive their kids to a pool? About how much money do you make per year that you can be so cavalier about taxing and spending?
“Ultimate knee-jerk liberal”? Your words, not mine. We didn’t recover from the last depression until taxes were LOWERED, not RAISED. Unfortunately, lowering taxes tends to create jobs. Those pesky things you have to actually show up at (usually) to collect any money from. Lots of people who vote liberal tend to think you shouldn’t have to go to work to get a check. We’ll just fix those leaky old pools with “Obama money”. Pie in the sky in the sweet bye and bye.
April 15th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Just Wondering makes many valid points. I’m glad Dearborn Heights is doing well as it appears that today it is a much nicer, better run city than it was long ago. But Dearborn Heights does not have the extremely costly amenities or many of the services that Dearborn offers.
The Heights do not have the DISC, the Ford Performing Arts Center, Camp Dearborn, 2 public golf courses (Dearborn Hills and Camp Dearborn), 4 public libraries (Heights have 2), a city run Health Department and License Bureau, 43 parks, 8 outdoor pools (Heights have none), an expensive Homecoming, a city tower in Florida, nor a city charter that requires as many police officers per resident as Dearborn does.
All the abundances of services and amenities Dearborn offers compared to Dearborn Heights costs far more for Dearborn to fund and maintain than what is offered in Dearborn Heights, plain and simple…
April 16th, 2010 at 10:15 am
I think that if something “must go”….then the great City of Dearborn should sell the Florida Towers and sell Camp Dearborn.
Do not get rid of pools or leaf pick up. Those are the things directly affect our HOME VALUES. Your property value will not go down if you don’t have a retirement villa in Florida, or a place in Milford to relax. I like Camp Dearborn just as much as the next guy, and have fond memories too, but if somethings gotta give – that’s my vote.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Not all neighborhoods have pools. Those neighborhoods that do have pools should consider passing a special assessment like some neighborhoods have done for decorative street lighting.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Why don’t we all just vote to become separate associations (Like Canton)?
Each association pays a yearly fee that may or may not include assesments for 1 neighborhood pool, 1 library, leaf collection,trash, snow removal, parks etc….
We may just lower our Dearborn City taxes.
April 16th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Dearborn Heights DOES have an ice rink right behind the Canfield Center.
April 17th, 2010 at 6:50 am
An outdoor Ice rink on the piece of land at Michigan and Military (where the Mercury was) would be a HUGE asset to Michigan Ave. It is a well lit and populated so it will be hard for any funny business and make a “No hockey” rule. I think it would be a GREAT idea and show the hometown family culture of Dearborn. The rink in downtown Detroit is always busy and they charge. It costs almost nothing. Just open the fire hydrant and let it flood. It doesn’t have to be huge but it would bring some life to Michigan Ave and help local businesses. Even those that don’t skate would walk up and get a coffee then come and watch those that do.
April 17th, 2010 at 9:12 am
I agree with Bep on an ice rink that commuters see on Michigan Avenue, although the bank owns the land at the former Mercury. But to obtain optimum usage, the rink would have to have pipes that freeze the ice, or else it would end up not being used all that much, like the 7 west Dearborn rinks the city floods that melt due to unpredictable warm winter weather. The other issue we’d have to face here is where is the money going to come from? Perhaps a large business in Dearborn could donate it and we could name the rink after them with some nice, classy, significant signage.
April 17th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Why do so many Dearborn police officers & firefighters live outside the city? Is it because it is so unsafe they want to raise their famlies elsewhere? If being a resident of Dearborn is so undesireable, couldn’t we find other candidates who DO live in Dearborn to staff our public safety departments?
April 17th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Bep, Excellent idea. I always thought the piece of land betweent he two parking structures would be a perfect spot for an ice rink, even if it’s make shift one like the one at Penn Park. A tree during the holidays, hot chocolate, FREE parking (or close to it). Dee’s Hallmark would LOVE it and he deserves the business after hanging in there with us during all those years of torture. I love the idea. I’ll bet we could find some sponsors for something like that. I hope the City Council members are reading our comments. Sometimes the simplest ideas lead to bigger and better things.
April 17th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Except for the Chiefs, Dearborn police and fire are not required to live in the city. My son is a Dearborn police officer who grew up and lives in Dearborn where he plans to stay. There are a lot of cops who live here or near by. Keep in mind that some cops have had their roots planted in nearby communities prior to securing a job in Dearborn. I can tell you first hand, their committment to their jobs is no less intense because they don’t live here. I have heard their discussions first hand and what impresses me every time is hearing each and every one of them refer to Dearborn as “my city” when speaking to someone they have detained. They take an oath and they honor their oath no matter where they lay their head. I just thank God when they all get home each day, no matter their zip code. Keep them in your prayers.
April 17th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Outdoor ice rink is a great idea! Dearborn is already a town where you see plenty of people walking, jogging, riding bikes in the good weather. An ice rink would certainly be used by the residents and it its a good draw for people to gather. It surely can’t hurt any businesses (are there any?) on Michigan Ave.
April 18th, 2010 at 7:04 am
pdmom,
Our Police Chief does NOT live in the City. That is against City Charter. Why has the Big O let this go on for so long? Why isn’t our City Council on this issue?
April 18th, 2010 at 10:19 am
Dear Wanting,
Read the new city charter Oath of Office it no longer requires the upholding of the “charter of the City of Dearborn” this was removed by the most recent charter commission. therefore “big O” is not required to enforce the chief moving into the city, nor is any elected official or person who takes the oath.
April 18th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Let me qualify that last post, it states after the oath that thay most support and uphold the charter. But, thay no longer take an oath to. Why was this changes in this manner? is it that if thay do not because it’s less of an offense? Do thay no longer have to give thier word. is not thier word thier honor anymore? Does taking an oath no longer have any meaning? If thay violate it as it seems in this case, can thay be charged? or removed?
April 18th, 2010 at 11:35 am
Milwood Fordson, not sure what you are trying to say but FOR THE LAST TIME…the City Charter has a provision written in it that states the DEARBORN POLICE CHIEF MUST LIVE IN THE CITY!!! POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS DO NOT!!!!
Oldalldayschoolmom: Get over this!
Just because you work in a city as a police officer or firefighter does not mean you must live there. As a taxpayer this does not bother me. A person should be able to live where ever he or she wants to. It does not make them any less of a city employee. There are many reasons for a police officer or firefighter to choose not to live in the city where they work. For example, they may not be able to afford to live in the city.
We have police officers and firefighters that do not work in Dearborn but live here. Should we make them go live where they work?
April 18th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Wanting: Sorry if I was not clear. The Chief does not live here, a violation of the Charter. My point was that he is the only member of our police force that is required to, per the city charter. Why the Mayor and Council put up with it is beyond me.
Milwood: I am not sure what you are talking about. The officers are sworn in, which means they swear to an oath. I do not know the exact wording of the oath however, I will try to find out. I believe the City Council has the responsibility to see that the Charter is upheld, not the police department. Police uphold the law.
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Nobama Noreiilly:
Police and Fire pay into pensions as part of their salary and the pension system is NOT part of the budget in terms of payout. Those pensions are different than the pensions received from the big 3 in that they were not profit sharing or options that are tied to the city. Simply because pensions in the private sector are going away does not mean all need to lose them. If planned and contributed to in such an independent manner, and properly managed, people are entitled to draw from what THEY put in. Simply wanting to take away from others to make everyone lose is simply ignorant (not you – the concept).
And for the poster about city employees getting free pool tags? I’m sure there was plenty basking in the Lapeer pool last summer……are you kidding me? I wouldn’t use a free pass even if I had the ability to get one.
As far as the Chief NOT living in the city – GOOD FOR HIM! That should be a clue to the other residents. He is doing a fine job, better than most who DO live in the city, at protecting your lives and property. I commend the Chief and (most) of his officers.
April 23rd, 2010 at 8:24 am
In addition to the new police chief violating the city charter by not living in the city of Dearborn, my friends within the police department say he is pulling strings to hire an unqualified police officer from his Detroit police days who is now being rushed through police classes in Livonia, although other candidates were qualified and passed over.
April 23rd, 2010 at 9:10 am
Oldalldays:
That is completey accurate. The guy is not qualified and is the son of a colleague from Detroit. Plenty of Dearborn citizens have applied and have been passed over for this sort of candidate. It’s a crime. Also, the mayor and the chief have told the officers that they are NOT to patrol the bar district. Is anyone outraged??? In this day of thugs coming in from Detroit, where we cannot go to the mall because of them, O’Reilly and the Chief think this is a good idea? They, the Mayor and the Police Chief, will ruin this city if they keep this up. Also, I have heard that the chief is recruiting new cops from inner city churches. What a jerk! He does not live here and if this doesn’t make the case for why someone with that much authority should live here, I don’t know what does.
April 23rd, 2010 at 9:15 am
Jukebox: Woah, I just read your post. How do you know the Chief is doing a fine job? According to all the cops know, he stinks. And he is tying patrol’s hands by putting constraints on them that keep them from doing their job. I’m not sure where you get your information. Unless you are a cop yourself, I think you better check your source.
Amy: pdmom stated clearly several times that the chief does not live in the city. I am not sure why there seems to be some misunderstanding here. He does NOT, he’s a jerk, the cops know it and the sooner the citizens know it, the better off we will all be. Hopefully the word gets out before he ruins one of the few city services that keeps us from turning into Detroit.
April 23rd, 2010 at 10:03 am
Speaking of police—thank goodness they apprehended and arrested a few guys who were involved in an armed robbery at the Kroger supermarket on Michigan Avenue in Westborn shopping center recently. It happened in broad daylight inside the store.
Why doesn’t Chief Haddad and put marked patrol cars in every parking lot in Dearborn–especially as taxpayers are spending just under $2,000,000 for parking services according to the city budget listed on the Dearborn calendar.
April 23rd, 2010 at 10:11 am
Residents and businesses in the city of Detroit (except for those receiving long-term tax abatements) are taxed from their ankles all the way up to their foreheads—and guess what? The city is a piss-hole, the schools are a joke, and the property values rival those in 3rd world countries.
No more new taxes–Dearborn already has the 2nd-highest tax rate in Wayne County.
Having said that, I would choose books over new garbage cans any time of the day. What’s next–burning the extra books from our branch libraries and putting their ashes in the mammoth trash cans?
April 23rd, 2010 at 12:29 pm
kay – I have no idea about whether or not the chief is doing a good job. That would have been a good topic that maybe you should have brought up at the last council meeting.
April 23rd, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Unfortunately, despite most of us disliking tax increases or having such high taxes compared to other communities, if the city cannot come up with a way to cover this projected $20 million dollar budget shortage without some type of additional funding, it appears we’ll have far less services and amenities.
April 23rd, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Donna: I would love to, but I think the cops are sounding their own alarms. They should have the privelege. The best I can do is relay what they tell me so the public knows what is going on, especially when their new policies affect the crime and the criminals in our city. I will share as much as I can. When the time is right, I just may bring it up at council. Keep in mind, though, the mayor appointed him and I have seen this mayor at council meetings. I’m afraid I would lose my patients with him if he started lecturing me : )
April 24th, 2010 at 6:14 am
kay, from what I have read I don’t see any of the cops sounding any type of alarm. I am sure a lot of them are afraid of losing their job if they come forward so maybe it is time for a taxpayer to blow the whistle.