House Bill 925

Chairman: Austin Scott

Committee: Governmental Affairs

House Sponsor: Mike Jacobs

HB 925 creates “townships” as a new form of local government. Townships will be created through local legislation, but must be preceded by a feasibility study. The township act must include a description of the area within the township (the minimum requirements are detailed) and set out how the township council will function. The local act would then be voted on in a referendum by the electors in the area to be incorporated into the township. The township’s authority includes zoning, appropriations, administration, building codes, collecting fees, and contracting for certain services. The township council must hold regular public meetings and will be subject to the open records act. An annual independent audit of the township’s finances is required.

In exercising zoning authority, the township council must first adopt a comprehensive land use plan and zoning ordinance. The local act creating the township may authorize the imposition of an ad valorem tax. The tax must not exceed .5 mill.  The millage limit may be increased higher upon approval of a majority of voters within the township. Also addressed are “unincorporated islands”.

This bill comes to the House Floor under the Modified Structured Rule.

Chairman Scott’s opinion of this legislation:

This bill creates a limited service form of government for areas that want to exercise self-determination, without creating a full-fledged city. This would allow citizens in unincorporated area of a county to exercise their rights of self-determination if they feel their needs are not being met by the county.