November 17, 1999

Misnomer - 911 Surcharge is Neither

The Libertarian Party of Oakland Countys analysis of the Oakland County 911 Surcharge plan has revealed that the plan has little to do with 911 and is consequently a tax, not a surcharge.

Over half of the money that will be raised from this proposed tax will be used to fund a new radio communication system for the county and buy new radios for the police departments of the cities and townships some of which are requesting more than their proportionate share.

Since the money is not being used strictly for the 911 system, it is a misnomer to associate it with 911 in any way.  And, because this is a general revenue raising scheme, it cannot properly be called a surcharge, but rather, it is a tax.  As a tax, it is subject to Headlee, and must be approved by the voters.

Public Act 29 of 1994 enables the Board of Commissioners to authorize a telephone surcharge up to four (4%) for emergency telephone operations.  The money raised is going to be used for other purposes.  Labeling this "surcharge" 911 does not make it so.

Libertarians find it inappropriate that the county engage in a general revenue raising scheme under the guise of an emergency service.  It is time to cut taxes, not raise them.