This morning the House appropriations subcommittee on the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DeLEG) reported HB 5884 which funds fire protection grants at the same level as last year - $10.9 million.
When the Governor proposed her budget she recommended raising fire inspection fees to raise $2.6 million to supplement the budget for the Bureau of Fire Services. The House's version instead relies on money from the sale of fireworks in the state.
You may recall back in 2006 there was legislation that would legalize aerial fireworks and charge businesses to get permits to sell the fireworks. The money was then to be funneled back to the local units for police and fire protection. There is similar legislation being proposed this session but has yet to be introduced.
The legislature is assuming fireworks permits will generate enough to replace the $2.6 million without having to raise inspection fees. The League has been working closely with the legislators who are intending to sponsor this legislation to ensure local units of government will receive this money if this legislation proceeds. The DeLEG budget is before the full appropriations committee in the morning.
Samantha Harkins works for the Michigan Municipal League handling municipal services issues. She can be reached at 517-908-0306 or email at sharkins@mml.org
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