ADOPTED - AUGUST 24, 2010

                                                                                                                                                   Agenda Item No. 22

Introduced by the County Services and Finance Committees of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR LOW INCOME TAX PREPARATION

RESOLUTION #10-257

WHEREAS, the Asset Independence Coalition (AIC), under the umbrella of the Power of We Consortium (Ingham County Human Services Collaborative), coordinates a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) income tax preparation program for low and moderate income citizens; and

WHEREAS, the group has successfully assisted thousands of low and moderate income taxpayers and helped achieve refunds of over $10,000,000, including almost $2,000,000 from the Earned Income Tax Credit; and

WHEREAS, these efforts continue to need a part-time coordinator position hosted and administered by the United Way at an estimated annual cost of $25,000; and

WHEREAS, the request for this base funding is being made to the Counties of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham and the City of Lansing; and

WHEREAS, these efforts assist the economic condition of low and moderate income citizens and income tax refunds to this group of citizens facilitates payment of delinquent property taxes owed to Ingham County.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners authorizes funding from the Delinquent Tax Administration Fund to fund $11,000 to the Asset Independence Coalition to support its free tax preparation services for low to moderate income citizens.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Controller/Administrator is directed to make all necessary budget adjustments consistent with this resolution to strengthen the capacity within Ingham County for low and moderate income tax preparation assistance and asset building.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board Chairperson and County Clerk are authorized to sign any necessary contracts upon approval as to form by the County Attorney.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution shall be forwarded to all local taxing authorities in Ingham County.

COUNTY SERVICES:  Yeas:  Copedge, Schor, Celentino, Grebner, McGrain, Vickers

 Nays:   None              Absent:  None        Approved 8/17/10

 FINANCE:  Yeas:  Grebner, Tennis, Bahar-Cook, Schor, Holman, Dougan

  Nays:  None                Absent:  None        Approved 8/18/10