Atlas Twp. – No new taxes.
That’s the message from Township Supervisor Paul Amman for 2008 as he anticipates less funding from Lansing in the upcoming year.
Amman said it will be a little harder to balance the budget this new year but said he will maintain the status quo.
‘We will not be holding our hand out for more taxes to increase our revenue, we will figure out how to operate with what we have,? said Amman. ‘We are going to do everything we can to get the best bang for our buck.?
Taking time to look at what can be cut to save taxpayers money, Amman said, is important right now.
‘Look at our state government right now, they can’t balance their budget and are having a difficult time doing that. There are a lot of things they could be doing to reduce revenue sharing. For instance, homes are not selling for what they are assessed at. If they lowered assessments, that would make a big impact.?
One of the first things Amman expects to do to cut costs is to reduce the personnel at the building department from three people to just one.
Amman said the ordinance enforcement, building inspector and building department manager will become all of the above which is expected to be given to Matt Hart sometime in April.
‘He will operate by appointment and as needed,? said Amman.
The safety of the community, Amman said, is a priority. ‘We will not reduce our police force.?
Maintaining the roads will continue as planned. Amman said the three miles of road will continue to be resurfaced and ditched as planned.
Amman said he hopes more people will attend the township meetings held every third Monday of each month. ‘I would like people to come in and tell us what they like and don’t like. However, make sure to tell us what needs to be changed and how to do it.?
For eight years, Amman has been the Atlas Township supervisor. He has also served as a trustee for four years and has been on the planning commission for four years.
He is said he is up for re-election at the end of this year.
‘I haven’t decided if I am going to run again.?