What does M.C. Article 9, Section 31 prohibit local governments from doing without voter approval?

M.C. Article 9, Section 31 is specific in its stipulation regarding local governments in Michigan and the need for voter approval before taking certain fiscal actions. The article requires local governments to obtain voter consent if they plan to increase an existing tax rate. This provision serves to protect taxpayers from unapproved increases in their financial obligations, ensuring that residents have a direct voice in significant taxation decisions that may impact their wallets.

Understanding the context is important here. Local governments have various ways to fund services, such as through property taxes. However, the finality of any increase in tax rates requires voters' endorsement to uphold democratic processes and transparency. This regulation means that if a local government wishes to raise rates on existing taxes, it must seek voter approval before proceeding.

The other options represent actions that do not typically require voter approval under M.C. Article 9, Section 31. For instance, levying an authorized tax, issuing bonds for public projects, or expanding definitions around new construction do not invoke the same voter consent requirement, as they generally fall under established regulatory frameworks or could be predefined mechanisms already approved by the electorate. Hence, increasing an existing tax rate distinctly aligns with the need for direct voter input, which is why it is identified as the