Lansing, Michigan
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Lansing is the capital city in U.S. state of Michigan. In 2010, its population was 114,297, making it the fifth-largest city in Michigan.[1]
[edit] Website evaluation
- Main article: Evaluation of Michigan city websites
This website was reviewed on April 20, 2012.
[edit] The good
- Current and previous budgets are posted.[2]
- Financial reports and audits are posted.[3]
- Current bid opportunities are posted.[4]
- Staff contact information is on each department's page.
- Building permit forms are posted.[5]
- Zoning information is posted.[6]
- Taxes are payable online, and tax rates are posted.[7][8]
- City council members are listed with contact information.[9]
- Meeting agendas are posted.[10]
- Meeting minutes are posted back to 2000.[11]
- Policies and forms for public records request procedures are posted.[12]
[edit] The bad
- No information is posted on taxpayer-funded lobbying.
[edit] Budget
[edit] 2011-12
The 2011-12 Lansing City budget calls for $178,710,443 in expenditures.[13]
| Service Type | Proposed Budget | % of Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Executive/Legislative | $3,557,065 | 1.98% |
| Courts | $4,423,100 | 2.46% |
| Police | $30,934,470 | 20.47% |
| Fire | $26,541,930 | 14.79% |
| Parks | $8428,700 | 4.70% |
| Planning & Devel. | $23,707,673 | 13.21% |
| Human Relations/Supp. | $2,225,440 | 1.24% |
| Public Services | $57,145,035 | 31.83% |
| Capital Improvements | $5.488.970 | 3.06% |
| Finance | $9,767,420 | 5.44% |
| Human Resources | $1,475,640 | 0.82% |
| TOTAL | $178,710,443 | 100% |
[edit] Pensions
| System | Funded Liability | Unfunded Liability |
|---|---|---|
| Pension | $473.7 million | $125.9 million |
| Healthcare | $41.8 million | $376.4 million |
[edit] Taxes
For 2011-12, the property tax rate is 15.70 mills.[13]
The income tax rate is 1.0% for individual residents and corporations, and 0.5% for non-resident individuals.[7]
[edit] Proposed tax increase
A 4-mill property tax increase is on the November 8, 2011, ballot.[15] According to the budget, if voters pass this tax increase, it will bring in an additional $8.5 million to help bolster police, fire, and public services.[13]
[edit] Austerity measures
To address a $20 million shortfall, the proposed 2011-12 budget would cut up to 130 of Lansing's 1,041 jobs.[13] New and increased fees to bring in an additional $930,000 are also proposed.[13]
[edit] Public employees
[edit] Elected officials
The city council is made up of eight members, four of whom are up for election on odd years, on a rotating basis.[16]
| Name | Ward | Position |
|---|---|---|
| A'Lynne Robinson | 3rd | President |
| Kathie Dunbar | At-Large | Vice President |
| Eric Hewitt | 1st | |
| Tina Houghton | 2nd | |
| Brian Jeffries | At-Large | |
| Derrick Quinney | At-Large | |
| Carol Wood | At-Large | |
| Jessica Yorko | 4th |
[edit] External links
- Lansing City official site
- Lansing Michigan Detailed Profile
- Lansing Michigan Links
- Lansing Michigan Community Profile
- Lansing Michigan Census Facts
- Lansing Michigan News
[edit] References
- ↑ U.S. Census Bureau "Michigan's 2010 Census Population Totals," Accessed October 30, 2011
- ↑ Official website "Budget Office," Accessed April 20, 2012
- ↑ Official website "Forms and documents," Accessed April 20, 2012
- ↑ Official website "Bid Opportunities," Accessed April 20, 2012
- ↑ Official website "Building Permits and Fees," Accessed April 20, 2012
- ↑ Official website "Zoning," Accessed April 20, 2012
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Official website "Income Tax," Accessed April 20, 2012
- ↑ Official website, "Property Tax," Accessed April 20, 2012
- ↑ Official website "City Council Members," Accessed April 20, 2012
- ↑ Official website "Council Agendas," Accessed April 20, 2012
- ↑ Official website "Council Minutes," Accessed April 20, 2012
- ↑ Official website "FOIA," Accessed April 20, 2012
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 Official website "FY2012 Proposed Budget," Accessed October 30, 2011
- ↑ Official website "Citizens' Guide to City Finances," Accessed October 30, 2011
- ↑ http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111025/OPINION02/110250306/Pass-millage-protect-city-s-future?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7COpinions%7Cp Lansing State Journal "Pass millage to protect city's future," Accessed October 30, 2011]
- ↑ Official website "City Council," Accessed October 30, 2011
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