City Council Notes: Rep. Marty Knollenberg Addresses State Budget; Library Week, Arbor Day Approach

State Rep. Marty Knollenberg (R-41st District) visited the Clawson City Council meeting Tuesday evening, addressing the state's budget deficit and Gov. Rick Snyder's proposal to cut spending. Knollenberg said he believes the state is headed in the right direction with plans to fix the budget, have more transparency in government spending and create more jobs in Michigan. 

What cities can do

Knollenberg said the state is encouraging communities to consolidate services to save money, later adding that Clawson is on the right track by sharing a lockup facility with Troy Police. He also expressed his support in the state asking employees to contribute 20 percent to health care costs and encouraged local municipalities to adopt this idea. 

“There’s only so much money to go around, which makes it difficult to provide the services that we think are important,” Knollenberg said.

Transparency and timeliness

During the council meeting, Knollenberg said he believes taxpayers should have access to records of government spending, which is something the state is striving for. Lawmakers also hope to roll out the budget by June so that cities will have more time to prepare. The 2012 fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

Film tax incentives

While some film companies have already pulled out of Michigan, Knollenberg said the state continues to address the issue and has not ruled out a compromise.

"My biggest concern is that we are pulling the rug from under people who have made major investments in Michigan," Knollenberg said.

Councilwoman Kathy Phillips said she hopes the state will reach a decision in an efficient manner. "Production companies aren’t going to just sit around and wait," she said during the meeting.

News you can use

In other news, City Council approved a proclamation to recognize April 10-16 as National Library Week and April 29 as Arbor Day. There will be a children's program called Super Science Saturday on April 16 at for Library Week, and the city is encouraging residents to plant and care for trees in honor of Arbor Day.

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt at City Park and a Bunny Brunch at on April 16. Keep checking Clawson Patch for more details and coverage of these events.