Legislation would help cultivate improved public services
SAGINAW, Mich., April 22, 2025 — State Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) attended the Restore Saginaw Committee’s (RSC) press conference yesterday, which focused on legislation to remove the Saginaw tax cap. This term, O’Neal sponsored House Bill 4121, previously introduced last term as HB 6160 of 2024, which would prevent automatic reductions in a mill levied if the amount to be collected in property taxes exceeds a certain gross amount. Saginaw is the only city in the state with such a tax cap.
“I thank the Restore Saginaw Committee for having me at this event. This legislation is a huge priority of mine, and I’m doing my best to continue its momentum toward the finish line. Saginaw deserves the benefits this legislation would bring, and it would allow our community to realize its full potential, while continuing to uplift and fund vital services,” O’Neal said.
Since 1979, the city of Saginaw has been subject to a yearly property tax cash cap that has prevented collection of enough revenue to provide needed services and programs for its residents. This cash cap limits the amount of general fund property tax revenue that can be collected yearly to no more than about $3.8 million, which is what the city collected in fiscal year 1978-79. What that means is that the city has had to function on a $3.8 million general fund property tax budget for the past 46 years. This has cost the city nearly $29 million in lost services it could have had if this cap did not exist.
“RSC applauds the foresight and courage of Rep. O’Neal taking on this issue so no community in our great state will be hampered by such punitive measures. We ask our community leaders, every resident of Saginaw, and all our legislators, to support Rep. O’Neal’s effort to remove this antiquated tax limitation,” said RSC Chair Floyd Kloc, former mayor and city council member.