Understanding the tough financial situation of many Michigan communities, a 12-percent reduction in membership dues, effective July 1, 2010, was unanimously approved today (April 13) by the Michigan Municipal League Board of Trustees.

“It’s not an issue of cutting back on services it’s an issue that the League has decreased expenses,” said MML President Jeff Jenks.

To afford today's cost-saving measure, the Environmental Affairs Assessment (EAA) will be eliminated starting July 1, 2010. Despite the change, the League will continue to provide excellent service to members on environmental issues.

League staff proposed the cut and the board officially approved it. “This is something we feel strongly about,” said MML CEO Dan Gilmartin. “With the problems many communities are having financially we thought it was the right thing to do for our members.”

In addition to the 12-percent reduction, dues were frozen in FY 2009-10, saving members a 4.4-percent inflationary increase, and cut by 10 percent in FY 2005-06. Given our history of dues cuts, please know the League continues to grow and thrive as a resourceful organization.  We see today’s announcement as a reward for our efforts and hope it illustrates our commitment to advancing communities and the future of our state. 

Andrea Messinger is the legislative and communications coordinator for the Michigan Municipal League. Contact Andrea at 734.669.6318 / e-mail.

There’s still time to sign up for the Michigan Municipal League’s Capital Conference. We kick off April 13 at 4 pm -  Click here for registration and details. Can't make it? Check back with us later for Capital Conference blog posts and photos - we’ll keep you updated throughout the event!

Andrea Messinger is the legislative and communications coordinator for the Michigan Municipal League. Contact Andrea at 734.669.3618 / e-mail.

Visit the League’s Action Center to customize a sample press release urging senators to support the House-passed 1-percent revenue sharing increase. To get started, go here and enter your zip code; choose the media you want to notify from a list in your area; tailor the release. It’s that easy! Please feel free to call me if you have any questions about using the League’s Action Center.

Click here for FY2009-10 and FY2010-11 estimated revenue sharing payments to cities, villages, and townships under current law and HB 5880 (h-2) as passed by the House of Representatives.

Andrea Messinger is the legislative and communications coordinator for the Michigan Municipal League. Contact Andrea at 734-669-6318 / e-mail.

Jump start your Capital Conference experience with a pre-conference workshop! Early bird rates end today (register now to save $35). The Michigan Municipal League’s annual Capital Conference is April 13-14 at the Lansing Center, Lansing. There’s still time to register for the main Capital Conference event or one of the pre-conference workshops planned. You must register TODAY to get the early bird rate on the pre-conference sessions.

The pre-conference workshops start at 9 am and 1 pm and end at 4 pm, just in time for the Capital Conference welcome session - “Off the Record,” live with Tim Skubick. Details about the League’s pre-conference workshops:

- Essential Skills for Elected Officials, 9 am - 4 pm, April 13
- Human Resources for the Non-HR Manager, 1 - 4 pm, April 13
- Medical Marijuana & Your Community, 1 - 4 pm, April 13
- Advanced Institute - MI Assn. of Municipal Attorneys, 9 am - 4 pm, April 13
- The Main Event: 2010 Capital Conference, April 13-14

Andrea Messinger is the legislative and communications coordinator for the Michigan Municipal League. Contact Andrea at 734.669.6318 / e-mail.