FOR RELEASE:  January 5, 2010

 

 

Special Election Voter Information Provided by Troy City Clerk’s Office

 

 

(TROY, MI) – The last day to register to vote in the City of Troy Special Election to be held on Tuesday, February 23 is Monday, January 25.  Anyone who needs to register can stop by the City Clerk’s office on the 2nd floor of City Hall at 500 West Big Beaver.  Those who have registered previously do not need to register again.

 

The City Clerk’s office is encouraging voters to consider their schedules and the potential need for an Absentee Ballot.  Applications are available at the City Clerk’s Office at www.troymi.gov/election.  The application can be returned directly to the Clerk’s Office in person or by mail.  There are also 24-hour outdoor drop boxes at the East and West entrances to City Hall.

 

The City Clerk’s Office is open 8 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday.  It will also be open Saturday, February 20, from 10 am-2 pm for absentee balloting.

 

The Special Election seeks voter input on whether or not to authorize the Troy City Council the ability to levy up to 1.9 mills against all taxable property for a five-year period of time, 2010 through 2014, for general operating purposes.

 

Background information on the millage proposal, including the impact on residential tax bills, can be found at www.troymi.gov/2010Proposal.

 

The Special Election was called by the Troy City Council because the City of Troy is facing a significant decline in its revenue stream every year for the next several years, primarily due to market conditions lowering property assessments and State Shared Revenue cuts.  City Council’s ability to increase the millage rate within the Charter allowable maximum rate was removed in the November 2008 general election by a voter-approved amendment that states Troy electors must first provide an affirmative vote.  The timing restriction of the City Budget adoption process necessitates a special election; waiting until the August Primary or the November General Election to place the millage question on the ballot will be too late.

 

 

 

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