Time to Give Up Golf Courses, Pools

A decreasing property tax base gives municipal officials a chance to “engage in innovations and efficiencies that will improve city government,” a Mackinac Center expert told the Dearborn Press and Guide.

Michael LaFaive, director of the Morey Fiscal Policy Initiative, suggested that cities and counties “give up the specialty items,” such as golf courses and wave pools, if there is a concern about revenue and providing core services.

“What Michigan cities need is some mavericks who are prepared to make decisions that make people angry, particularly city employees,” LaFaive said. “This (downturn) is an unprecedented chance to innovate, an opportunity to revolutionize the way local government functions.”

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