Learn more about the proposed Charter Amendment.
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Q & A About The Charter Amendment
What does the ballot proposal change?
The ballot question is a proposed Charter amendment. There have been limited amendments to Troy’s Charter since 1955, with the last Charter amendments approved in 2009. If the Charter is amended, it cannot be changed or modified again unless the voters approve a subsequent change or amendment to the language at a future election.
Who are the campaign committees?
The Charter amendment was initiated by a newly formed campaign committee “Save the Troy Civic Center.” Also a campaign committee in opposition called “Vote NO on Extreme Charter Amendment” was formed.
Is this proposal limited to the Troy Civic Center property?
No. As drafted, the language applies to almost all City owned property, because it is for “any portion of any parcel of public land...”. All buildings and grounds on the Civic Center campus would be included, but it also extends to the City’s two golf courses, Police and Fire Training Center, parks, and many other individual pieces of property the City owns throughout Troy.
Does the Charter need to be amended to protect City parks?
No. The City Charter already requires voter approval to sell or lease any City park (City Charter, Section 12.1)
The proposed Charter amendment uses the term “general election”. What does this mean?
“General election” means elections held in November. This Charter Amendment would mean that any new City agreement or a renewal could only be voted on at the next November election of each year.
What happens if a covered City agreement expires before the first available November election?
The proposed Charter amendment language does not address this situation.
What types of agreements would require voter approval if the charter amendment passes?
The charter amendment language would cover over 200 City agreements with various entities. Examples include Oakland County (52-4 District Court), Troy Historical Society, Troy Nature Society, Billy Casper Golf, Friends of the Troy Public Library, Friends of Troy Seniors, Troy Racquet Club, Medi-Go, Creative Endeavors artists, Troy Baseball Boosters, Troy Cowboys, Troy Youth Soccer Club, United Football Club, Football Club United, Camp Ticonderoga, Beaumont Hospital, St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church, Community Center catering, fitness instructors and personal trainers, swimming lessons, dance lessons and many others.
Would this proposed Charter amendment apply to existing and new agreements?
Yes. The City’s written agreements will continue until expiration, but any renewals will require voter approval if the Charter amendment is approved. The proposed Charter amendment language does not provide any opportunity to “grandfather” any of the current agreements beyond the term expiration. Other agreements are renewed on an annual basis, and would require immediate approval starting November 2018.
Could the proposed Charter amendment affect Troy’s AAA bond rating?
The Charter amendment has the potential to impact the City’s AAA bond rating. Bond ratings take into consideration economic conditions, efficiency of government, financial standing, projected resources, and limits to governance. If passed, this citizen initiated Charter amendment could restrict the City’s ability to operate efficiently and may result in the loss of contractual revenue.
Do the voters currently have the ability to stop a lease or long term use agreement of City property, such as the Civic Center campus?
Yes. In 2005, voters approved a citizen initiated proposal, providing City residents with referendum powers for agreements to rent, lease or long term use of public property (more than 3 years). This provision is Section 12.3 of the Troy Charter.
Can the City enter into long term agreements to minimize the frequency or number of ballot questions to approve agreements?
Each existing City agreement would need to be reopened and renegotiated, with all parties willing to commit to revised terms. A bid process may also be required for some agreements.
Correspondence from Attorneys Regarding Ballot Proposal
Letter from Greg Schmid 09.11.17
Letter from Greg Schmid 09.26.17
Letter to Greg Schmid 09.28.17
Letter to Greg Schmid 10.04.17
