Where Does Your Tax Dollar Go?

The month of February is known for Groundhog Day, Superbowl Sunday, Boy Scout Day, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington's birthdays, Valentine's Day, Random Acts of Kindness Week and Leap Day (also known as Sadie Hawkins Day). And in Clawson, Feb. 28, 2012 is an Election Day where we vote in the presidential primary and vote for a city millage proposal to increase taxes by 4.2398 mills for ten years. Where does your tax dollar go? 

Remember that the city collects taxes for Oakland County, the Zoo Authority, Oakland County Public Transportation, Oakland County Intermediate Schools, Oakland Community College, Clawson School District, State Education Tax, and the Downtown Development Authority. 

Here's the breakdown: 10% to Oakland County, <1% Zoo Authority; 1% Oakland County Public Transportation, 7% Oakland County Intermediate Schools, 3% Oakland Community College, 23% Clawson School District, 13% State Education Tax, 27% City Operating Fund, 5% Refuse collection, 7% Road and infrastructure along with Bond debt, 1% Downtown Development Authority, 1% Administrative Fee and 2% Clawson Library (numbers rounded).

Out of every $1 you pay in taxes, the city keeps 43 cents. Approximately 46 cents goes toward education (both local and state) and 11 cents to Oakland County. More information to come regarding the allocation of money by departments. (i.e. public safety, public services, roads & drains, parks & recreation and other general government.)  Please join us on Feb. 22, 2012 at 7 pm, for our next Town Hall meeting at City Hall. As always, I appreciate your feedback.