Grosse Point Shores City Council To Explore Switching Counties
GROSSE POINTE (WWJ) - A chance for lower property taxes is prompting Grosse Pointe Shores to consider leaving Wayne County for Macomb.
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said his county isn't actively recruiting the idea, but thinks the community would make a great addition.
"The Grosse Pointes are a beautiful area. They have great education opportunities, they've got some great homes in and around the area, so it's a well-recognized, well-established area within the state. Whether it's in Wayne or Macomb County, it's completely up to them, but it would definitely be an asset to either county."
Making the switch would require only a vote among Grosse Point Shores residents. That's because although most of the city is in Wayne County a small portion of it lies in Macomb. And according to state law, a city can decide which county it belongs to when it lies on a border.
"You know, the reality is that it's their decision to make and up to the citizens in that community to make," Hackel said. "That decision is not mine or anyone elses that's not living in that area."
Hackel said Macomb has one of the lowest county property tax rates in Michigan. Grosse Pointe Shores city officials will explore the idea Tuesday night at a council meeting.
"I can't see anything bad, except for the loss to Wayne County. That would probably be the only disappointing thing I think you would see," Hackel said.
