Budget Adjustments Offered, Council to Vote on May 14
Ferndale City Manager April McGrath presented an option to council that would reduce the proposed millage rate increase by about .25 mills.
Ferndale City Council was expected to vote on the proposed fiscal year 2012-13 and 2013-14 budget at their meeting Monday night, however held off on the decision because of a procedural issue involving the scheduling of a public hearing.
The proposed fiscal year 2012-13 and 2013-14 budget, which council began reviewing April 9, includes a millage increase from 3 to 3.75 mills for 2012-13 and to 4.85 mills for 2013-14.
Council had requested at the last budget meeting that City Manager April McGrath offer potential budget adjustments that would lower the tax increase without cutting staff.
McGrath presented an option to council that would cut $125,000 from two contingency funds for both fiscal year 2013 and 2014, reducing the proposed millage rate to 3.50 for 2012-13 and 4.60 for 2013-14.
"I'd hesitate to go any further," she said, noting that "things are still really volatile."
Because fiscal year 2014 is almost two years away, McGrath said staff recommends revisiting lowering its rate any further until closer to the year.
County Commissioner and former Ferndale mayor Craig Covey said during the public hearing for the budget that he understands the difficult position council is in when working on a budget.
"I know the hard work you're doing. Do your best to keep the increase as small as possible," he said. "Every little bit helps because people truly are hurting."
Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter said he appreciates the option McGrath presented for reducing the tax increase and, pointing out police officers recently laid off in Oak Park, said he is thankful voters passed the Headlee override in May allowing the city to maintain its staff levels.
"We are very grateful that our residents allowed us the ability to not have to do that," he said, adding that this budget will continue that. There are no layoffs scheduled for 2012-13.
Council will meet at 6 p.m. May 14 to vote on the budget - it will be the only item on the agenda.
Ferndale_1986
10:00 am on Tuesday, May 8, 2012
who cares about .25 mills? just leave it alone and do something useful with the $125,000 for 2013 and 2014; maybe spend it on the parks that are falling apart.
Covey is ridiculous with his nonsense - "Do your best to keep the increase as small as possible," he said. "Every little bit helps because people truly are hurting."
.25 mills is $8, loose change around the house. how many people spend that much on lotto, booze, and cigarettes in just one day.
Don
9:57 am on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Want to save some money Mayor, City Council, and City Manager. Here is a suggestion, get rid of the code enforcement police patrol that do nothing but drive up and down city streets, as the driver moves their heads back and forth doing nothing. What a waste of money. We have houses all over Ferndale that are empty, or owned by investor outside of the city who don't maintain their properties and nothing is done about it. We have houses in Ferndale that have destroyed by fire, and the properties look like somethig out of Detroit. Houses aren't boarded up, the property around is dirty and junkie looking all over, and the grass is knee high. I don't see these people stopping taking notes, or even getting out of their city owned cars to check things out. The whole Department is a joke. Want to save some money close down Code Enforcement, End the Code Enforcement patrols, sell the cars off, and save the city money in gasoline. No I'm not calling any more! Get out of your office and do your job or quit. Fed up!
Ferndale Resident
11:16 am on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Amen to this!
10-Year Tax Payer
12:08 pm on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
He's Right! Code enforcement is a JOKE! Why cant we fine the crap out of banks/slumlords/slobs who dont keep up their property like other cities do?? This will bring money to the city AND pay for the Code Enforcement People! Word on the street is Ferndale dosn't pay these people crap (8.00 /hr) Part-time no bennies...
I think one of them just left for the city of Warren who DOUBLED their pay!
Seriously? I have 4 crappy forclosed houses on my street, one of which caught FIRE
LAST YEAR! (July 11) and All I get is "It is scheduled to be torn down... WHEN?
2013? FED UP IS A UNDERSTATEMENT!!!!
Don
10:08 am on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Covey - "Do your best to keep the increase as small as possible," he said. "Every little bit helps because people truly are hurting."
Really, you sure didn't have that concern when you were Mayor. The city could also raise funding by selling of park properties that no one uses any more. The could build Condo's or Apartments on them, which would generate tax monies for the city.