Jonesville earns city status

Home City News Jonesville earns city status

After voting to change from a village to city, Jonesville aims to reduce taxation and streamline public services in order to attract business owners and foster growth.

Before becoming a city, Jonesville was governed and taxed by two units of government — a village and a township. Now the city will unify those roles and provide all services previously divided between the two, such as election services, street upkeep, and the police and fire departments.

“The goal is that you would come to one place for services and not have to go to the village for some things and the township for other things,” said Jeff Gray, Jonesville city manager.

The Fayette Township offices are open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday, and are closed Wednesdays. The Jonesville City offices, however, are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. With elections handled by the city, citizens may need to register to vote. Now they are able to do that under normal business hours.

The City of Jonesville will tax the same amount as the village, and the township will no longer collect taxes from the city.

By eliminating the Fayette Township tax, those with residential properties in Jonesville will save money, and major gains will be seen for commercial and industrial properties.

“Part of this was an economic development initiative to try and make sure we stayed competitive and encouraged growth in Jonesville,” Gray said. “Removing the township tax makes Jonesville more attractive to businesses who may look to build in our city.”

Because Hillsdale County borders Indiana and Ohio, Jonesville is sometimes forced to compete for the attention of local business owners. One factor businesses consider in choosing a location is the tax rate.

“To be able to reduce taxes is one thing that helps us have an advantage for business owners,” Gray said.

Because of the two cities’ proximity, Hillsdale is also a business competitor for Jonesville, but Hillsdale Human Resource Director Kay Freese doesn’t believe this change will impact Hillsdale residents.

“I can’t foresee that there will be any impact at all,” she said.

For years, the village government considered whether Jonesville should become a city. In 2011 there was enough interest that the village council appointed a Citizens Advisory Committee to determine how villagers felt about the idea. The committee recommended that the council proceed.

The state reviewed and surveyed the village borders, then approved the plan.

Residents elected a charter commission of nine eligible voters to draft the Jonesville City Charter, defining the duties and powers of the city.

The charter was submitted to the governor’s office for review by the attorney general, and having met all requirements, went to a vote by the people where it was approved on August 5.

Next, the city council was elected. Five of the six village council members transferred to the city council.

“End of story is what I’ve talked about along the way: this thing started with the people of Jonesville, the charter was written by the people of Jonesville, and it was passed by the people of Jonesville,”

Gray said. “To me it really is democracy in action, and the people are choosing their own action and the direction on their own feet.”