In Royal Oak, revenue sharing could drop by more than a half-million dollars, said City Treasurer Mike Kondek. Their effect has been to cap property taxes at the rate of inflation. But leaders in fast-growing, newer communities say the older areas have had their day. His city gained 55 percent in population during the last decade. With overall inflation at about 3 percent this year, city workers' health care costs rose 17 percent in Clawson and 29 percent in Berkley.
Many older suburbs have major infrastructure bills coming due as well.
Pools are cracking, city halls and fire houses need updating, seniors want centers and youngsters want recreation. You can't cut your police force 30 percent. They're going to wear out. We know it. So we've simply postponed the day of reckoning.