Grosse Pointe Shores rejects county switch

GROSSE POINTE SHORES, Mich (wxyz) - The people of Grosse Pointe Shores won't be voting on a county change for their lakefront city, because city council voted no to putting it on the ballot this November.

Their decision angered some residents who wanted the choice.

"Just let us vote and decide for ourselves, just give us a choice," said Gloria Anton. 

"I'm disappointed" said Greg Walton, who added he will try to get the necessary petitions to put it on the ballot anyway.

Grosse Pointe Shores is a split county with most of it in Wayne County and only a small part in Macomb.

Those who support the change say the biggest advantage would be taxes.  In Macomb County, taxes are 4 mills lower--that amounts to $387 less a year per $100,000 in taxable property. With the high end homes in the Shores, that could mean a savings of hundreds of dollars a year for some home owners.

Those who oppose it say the change would mean people would have to change the wording on deeds and wills, and it is unclear who would maintain the seawall along the lake.

 City Council members say maybe they will vote it on the ballot next year. However, some residents remain doubtful and are disappointed they won't be able to choose.