The City maintains excellent relations with the University, and while the University pays no property taxes, there are numerous benefits which accrue to the City because of MSU's location in it. It contracts with the City for fire protection and rescue ambulance services and it and the State pay a fee equal to one half the total cost to the City for the services. The City is also paid for the waste water treatment services it provides to the University. The consumer spending patterns of the student population injects new money into the City's economy, generating the establishment of new taxpaying commercial and apartment developments and the maintenance of numerous existing business establishments. Through its theatrical, music, public radio and television sports programs, the University provides cultural and entertainment benefits to area residents.
Unemployment is higher because students tend to work at high turnover service jobs.
Taxable valuation per capita is generally lower than nationally because students tend to own no taxable property and University property is tax exempt. The following table reflects the diversity of the major employers in the City by the products manufactured or services performed and the approximate number of employees. Company Principal Product or Service Approximate Number of Employees Michigan State University. . . . State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 650 East Lansing School District . . . . . . .