By Susan Bromley

Staff Writer

Ortonville- Legislators are considering changes to a 40-year-old law that could reduce funding designated for the village and eliminate the DDA and Main Street program in the village.

House Bill 5856 would amend 1975 PA 197, which provides for the establishment of a downtown development authority, as well as encourages historic preservation, promotes growth of economic districts and authorizes tax increment financing (TIF), among other functions.

“The law was created so money could be used for economic development locally, but the Michigan Association of Counties have been very aggressively lobbying since 2013,” explained DDA Director Molly LaLone. “They would like to dismantle DDAs and TIF, because they want their cut of that local tax, they want the money to fund all the things the county does.”

Last year the Ortonville DDA collected $72,000 in tax-increment financing from commercial properties within the Downtown Development Authority zone, which consists of the dowtown business district, as well as some commercial properties on M-15. The DDA uses those funds for village events including Septemberfest, Christmas in the Village, CreekFest, and Beets, Beats, and Eats. The funds also pay for LaLone’s $40,000 salary as full-time DDA director and Main Street manager.

The village is one of 11 Main Street communities in Oakland County. As a member of the national economic development and historic preservation program, the village is eligible for a variety of resources, including facade grants, an architect to design plans, and educational support to help downtowns be successful in attracting both businesses and customers.

Jason and Jeremy Kratt, brothers and commercial property owners in downtown Ortonville, will be taking advantage of the facade grants to improve several of their buildings, both occupied and vacant, in the village this summer. LaLone said when the DDA heard of their improvement plans, they suggested changes that would “make the entire downtown look better.”

The Kratts agreed and will receive $6,000 in grants from the DDA that will be used for the building at 425 Mill Street, occupied by Papa Bella’s Pizza, as well as 433 Mill Street, current home of OTV. Improvements will also be made at 421 Mill, and 431 Mill, currently vacant buildings. Some of the improvements will be to awnings, and there will also be a complete refacing of the OTV building, with new boards. New paint is also part of the plan.

“The Kratts are committed to investing in a great downtown, we are so pleased they are property owners here,” said LaLone. “Their dedication to keeping their buildings in tip-top condition for tenants is admirable. Their enthusiasm for professional services that can be provided is great, too.”

However, those professional services could be in danger if changes are made to the current law, redirecting taxes to other entities.

LaLone and the village council are urging residents to be part of a letter campaign letting legislators know you want TIF funds to remain in this community. To be part of the campaign, go to www.downtownortonville.org and click on the ‘I love downtown’ button or call Molly LaLone at 248-627-8070.