Dems Slam Proos Bill

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20180816_104434

A bill from state Senator John Proos that has sparked opposition from the Berrien County Board of Commissioners is also being opposed by the Berrien County Democratic Party. At this week’s board of commissioners meeting, Democratic Party Chair Eric Lester read a resolution slamming the legislation that would exempt utility properties from personal property taxes. Proos says the exemption would help utilities pay for expected infrastructure upgrades. Lester told WSJM News it would cost taxpayers.

“They were given a rate increase of 17.9%, if I remember, this past April with the intent that this would ‘allow for replacing infrastructure and adopting advanced technology,’” Lester said. “They’ve already got the money they need.”

Lester says the Proos bill would result in millions lost for schools. The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution also opposing the bill back in June. The board invited Proos at the time to come and speak to them about it, but that has not happened.