Mark Nettleton Breaks Down the Bolt v. City of Lansing Ruling for Michigan Municipal League Readers

Mark Nettleton’s updated article, “Bolt v. City of Lansing: A Taxing Question for Michigan’s Local Governments,” was recently featured in the Michigan Municipal League’s Winter 2026 Magazine.

In the updated article, Mark reviews the Michigan Supreme Court’s landmark 1998 Bolt decision and recent case law developments, which clarify the distinction between a permissible “user fee” and an impermissible “tax.”  He also discusses the ongoing challenges local governments face in structuring fees that can withstand a potential “Bolt challenge” and offers guidance on how municipalities can evaluate new or revised fee structures to ensure compliance with Michigan law.

For questions about avoiding legal challenges and ensuring fees meet the Bolt test, contact Mark Nettleton. https://bit.ly/4aYeX0O