University of Michigan agrees to pay Ann Arbor for city services provided on football game days
Ann Arbor officials announced today the city reached an agreement with the University of Michigan to cover the costs of providing city services during football games.
“I am glad the city and U-M were able to reach an agreement on this issue as the city values our many partnerships with the U-M and strives to work collaboratively,” said Tom Crawford, interim city administrator and chief financial officer. “Reaching an agreement on this issue and obtaining compensation for signs and signal services from the U-M was vital to the city being able to provide these services to its residents and visitors.”
The Ann Arbor City Council unanimously passed a resolution earlier this month requiring U-M to reimburse the city for specific traffic management services on football games and special events. That's on top of public safety services U-M already pays the city to provide.
Ann Arbor CFO Tom Crawford
However, they said the full range of services previously provided by the city on game days will be reduced.
Compared to what residents and visitors have previously experienced, the new traffic control plan may create additional traffic congestion at major arteries and freeway ramps, city officials acknowledged. They're advising residents and visitors to find alternative routes.
The agreed-upon traffic management plan includes continuing the conversion of the two-way traffic on Ann Arbor Saline Road from East Stadium Boulevard to I-94 to one-way southbound traffic for the post game traffic. The plan does not include any pre-game traffic control operations, or the manual operation of the traffic signals at other major intersections such as South State Street and Eisenhower Boulevard, or South State Street and Briarwood Drive.
The exception to that plan is the Sept. 10 night game against Notre Dame, during which the full historically provided services will be in effect.
Terms of the agreement were not immediately available today. City officials complained that the provision of signs and signals services were costing the city about $100,000 a year and not being reimbursed by U-M for those costs was negatively impacting the city's budget.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
stb
Mon, Aug 29, 2011 : 12:14 a.m.
I don't understand the math. In previous years the City provided a certain level of service for free. This year they are getting $100K from the U for the service - but are reducing the level of service, which will inconvenience fans AND non-fans? Does the city think that by withholding service that the U will offer more money? That is CRAZY!
pbehjatnia
Sun, Aug 28, 2011 : 12:28 a.m.
awwww... this is GREAT! now bc the U has to pay we can all suffer even more consequences from the football insanity. yay! talk about a dumb deal. go council! go! with our city council we can rest assured at night that our tax dollars are at work for us.
Meral
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 11:38 p.m.
My question to those people who think U of M is paying enough, how many of you are residents of City of Ann Arbor? I have a feeling not at all. Some of you maybe a student or you come to a football or basketball game. So think twice before you make a comment and be honest.
Meral
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 11:15 p.m.
It is about time!!!! What about that bridge on E.Stadium Blvd? Why can't Greatest University of Michigan at least volunteer to help out our Great city of Ann arbor. We the citizens of AA love all the students, the football games, basketball games on and on... At some point it should have come from the President of the U of M and Mr. David Brandon, YES we will help to great Ann Arbor, after all all the people pay for the taxes, which are enormous. The citizens of AA have to deal parking and traffic problem. I am not talking about the people who do benefit great deal with parking and charging a lot to their lots, drive ways and lawns. Lets keep it classy U of M. This is your beloved City as well as our. I'd also like to say to U of M public safety, tell your students new or old pay attention to traffic and get off your cell phone when you are crossing the intersection. You will love our wonderful city. There were many many famous people came lived and loved this beautiful city we call home
MRunner73
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 5:52 p.m.
Z-man said it best and is right on, I second those thoughts. At $100/hour , there should be ample services provided by the City of AA. Lots of good revenue here. Let us not forget that there are 8 home games this year. Us AA residents should also know that approx 100,000 Buckeye fans will come up for that game and flood (congest) our streets. The only thing that will stop them will be if they have a losing season.
mt
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 7:41 p.m.
Or the threat that UM may win the game. On second thought, they will be here.
racerx
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 4:34 p.m.
Why not give control of the "signs & signals" to Plant Operations at the U? This department maintains every physical structure on campus, and are stocked with electricians and various other maintenance personnel. Throw in the volunteers to direct traffic and I'm sure that the rate could possible come in cheaper than what the mis-managed city charges.
Joe Kidd
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.
I would not be surprised to see that in the future, especially since the city pulled this so late. Give them a year and maybe a plan will be in place. The U can also put this out for bidding to MSP and WCSD to see if there is a lower bidder out there.
Basic Bob
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 3:36 p.m.
The additional congestion caused by reduced service could result in more people staying downtown after the game. This would provide additional crime and revenue opportunities for the police and local attorneys.
Z-man
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.
Game day services just scratche the surface. UM covers about one-third of the city, but they pay no property taxes; they now even own the 137 acre Pfizer complex that used to be the largest property tax payer in the city, forever removing it from our tax roles. Every day, the City of AA provides infrastructure and services to the UM, including a lot of streets that go to, from, and through the UM campus and for which they don't pay taxes. Sure, AA benefits from UM's presence, but consider the costs as well.
Z-man
Sun, Aug 28, 2011 : 12:34 a.m.
KIdd, The city doesn't currently take care of private property, so when UM acquires more of our city, it doesn't lessen the amount that the city has to care for, but it lessens the taxes we collect. But the streets surrounding the UM property still have to be cared for by the city. Maintained. Plowed. The more that the UM acquires, the less taxes we collect to provide them with services, infrastructure, street lights...etc.
Joe Kidd
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 6:32 p.m.
Look at it this way. The more land the U takes up the smaller the size of what the city has to maintain. But they keep spending more and more.
GerryD
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 3:07 p.m.
Yeah, but 1) The U is here, and while changes in local demands for compensation may alter their future property locations, it's unlikely to change the massive, existing presence and 2) Just because they add to the value of A2 (and they absolutely do) isn't a reason they should not shoulder some of the burden in keeping the town running. A2 property taxes are incredibly high, in part because so little of the cities land generates property taxes. In other towns and cities around the country where a non-taxable entity owns substantial amounts of property (usually, large universities), the town and property owner enter into a PILOT arrangement - Payment In Lieu Of Taxes. It's generally far less than if all the land was taxed normally, but it does help compensate the town for the lost revenues. Google around for this and some of the largest and most prestigious universities do this and do it in good spirits. A2/UofM should be having these talks now. The U has plenty of cash it could tap and again, no one is asking for ALL of the lost property taxes, but a reasonable amount to help offset the local communities burden. It's just part of being a good citizen.
ChrisW
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 2:55 p.m.
Just remember what L. Brooks Patterson said (paraphrased) - Without the university, Ann Arbor is essentially Bad Axe.
Huron74
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 2:20 p.m.
I wouldn't give 'em any ideas or the next big facility or adjunct campus might be in Pittsfield Twp.
Urban Sombrero
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 1:20 p.m.
Great news! Now, let's push for them to throw the city some cash toward the Stadium Bridge.
Urban Sombrero
Sun, Aug 28, 2011 : 2:31 a.m.
True, to a point. But, that bridge wouldn't be in the horrible, awful state that it's in without years and year of football (and basketball, etc) traffic. The least UM can do is chip in a few bucks toward its renewal.
Joe Kidd
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 6:30 p.m.
i don't think anyone should have to pay the city when the city neglected the bridge for so long. That thing should have been repaired long before it became dangerous to regular traffic. Instead of raising money for essential services the city creates tax funded accounts for "art" and 'greenbelts." So when essential needs come up they pickpocket someone elses money.
Urban Sombrero
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 1:21 p.m.
Ahem, *FOR* the Stadium Bridge. Sorry folks, just started my first cup of coffee. I need to wake up more before I attempt to post.
Alan Goldsmith
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 11:03 a.m.
"Terms of the agreement were not immediately available today." But of course, we can't see these 'details'. But guessing the Mayor was more than accommodating to the bosses for his day job.
snapshot
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 3:02 a.m.
Does the Mayor work for the U of M? In what capacity? I know Kunselman works there.
golfer
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 10:55 a.m.
$100,000 a year more. thats great. now with the idle fines we should be able to pay off the new city hall.
Kai Petainen
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 4:37 a.m.
it sounds like they made a good compromise? nicely done.
ChrisW
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 12:42 a.m.
How long before UM demands a cut of the parking revenue, including towing and tickets?
Huron74
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
I was thinking the same thing Chris.
Kafkaland
Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 11:58 p.m.
My understanding is the UM has paid for additional police services on game days for quite some time. This discussion now with the city was just about the guys who operate the traffic lights and put out the cones to close lanes. And it wasn't even about the principle that Um should pay for it, just about how much. The city asked for $200 per hour per person, whereas UM calculated the true costs including overhead like tucks etc. closer to $100 per hour and person. Unfortunately, the article doesn't give us the final number they agreed upon...
lynel
Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 11:39 p.m.
I thought additional police services were part of this I thought I read that reimbursement for additional police services was supposed to be part of the agreement.
alan
Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 11:54 p.m.
UM already reimburses the city for additional police and fire, always have. This is for traffic control.
lynel
Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 11:40 p.m.
oops