Justices will hear dispute over Troy building fees

TROY (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court will hear arguments in a dispute over whether a Detroit suburb can charge and keep certain fees to make up for past budget deficits in the building department.

The city of Troy hired a private company to perform building inspections and other services.

A portion of the fees charged for services was put in Troy’s general fund. The surplus added up to nearly $1.1 million over three years.

Critics say state law limits building department fees to the cost of providing services. They say it’s illegal to use the fees to fill a budget hole.

Two courts so far have ruled in favor of Troy.

The Supreme Court said last week that it will hear the case in the months ahead.