Second Charter Amendment for Tax Increment Financing to Appear on November 2024 Ballot
TC Taxpayers for Justice submitted a sufficient number of petition signatures, which were verified by the City Clerk, to place City Charter Amendments related to TIF on the ballot.
At their July 15, 2024 meeting, the City Commission approved ballot language for a second Charter Amendment to be placed on the November 2024 ballot related to Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Initially, City Attorney
Lauren Trible-Laucht advised City Clerk Benjamin Marentette and City Commission that the second Charter Amendment proposal could not appear on the ballot until the Governor’s review was complete, even though a
State statute exists which requires an initiated proposal to appear on a ballot regardless of the Governor’s objection. The City Clerk and City Attorney have held additional subsequent discussions, and the City Attorney
has further researched case law on the matter. Both have concluded that the second Charter amendment proposal related to Tax Increment Financing should also be placed on the November 2024 ballot, regardless if the
Governor has completed the required review prior to its submission to the County Clerk.
Litigation was filed against the City seeking to compel the City to place the proposal on the November 2024 ballot prior to the Governor’s review being complete; and by the City Clerk certifying the ballot proposal for the
November 2024 election, the litigation is moot.
City Attorney, Lauren Trible-Laucht said, “Although charter amendments initiated by petition automatically appear on a ballot due to State statute, the timeline was thought to be delayed due to the interpretation of the
required Governor review. We have done our due diligence and pursued the review of case law that provides a different interpretation, and we are pleased that the petitioners’ intent is now met.”
"Ensuring that citizens feel confident in the integrity of all aspects of the voting process is paramount. By verifying the petition signatures and upholding the State statute, we affirm that every resident's voice is heard
and respected. It's crucial that citizens exercise their right to vote and trust that their participation truly matters in shaping our community's future,” stated City Clerk, Benjamin Marentette.
“Elections and democracy have always been held in high regard in the City under the direction of the City Clerk, Benjamin Marentette. I have complete confidence in the City Clerk and City Attorney to interpret the law
appropriately. I am pleased that this matter was researched further and that the residents of the City will have the opportunity to vote on this ballot proposal,” stated Traverse City Mayor, Amy Shamroe.