Mayor Kevin Coleman Proposes a Three Year Balanced Budget for Future Growth and Stability

In a forward-looking move to ensure the City of Westland's continued growth and financial stability, the City Council is set to review a proposed three-year balanced budget spanning fiscal years 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27. The proposed budget includes comprehensive plans for the General Fund, Water & Sewer Fund, Capital Improvement Fund, and the Library Fund, integrated into the city's six-year financial outlook.

The new budget outlines a strategic approach to city financial management, ensuring a balanced budget while maintaining an overall fund balance of $12.4 million. With detailed forecasts and projections, the city administration demonstrates a commitment to prudent fiscal planning and investment in the community's future.

Key Highlights of the Proposed Budget:

Stable Millage Rates: The City's millage rate remains unchanged, reflecting a commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficiency.

Increased State and Federal Support: Notably, state shared revenue has increased, including a 2.15 percent rise in constitutional revenue sharing and a 7.94 percent increase in statutory revenue sharing. Additionally, the city anticipates $5,158,000 in grant revenues from various sources, including the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), and others aimed at enhancing city services and infrastructure.

Boost from Marijuana Business Revenue: With the opening of marijuana businesses, the city expects a significant increase in financial resources, projecting $3.3 million in cumulative revenue over the next six years. The 2024-2025 budget wisely includes an additional $665,000 from this new industry, reinvested across various municipal initiatives.

Capital Project Fund Enhancement: An additional $3,593,876 from unallocated ARPA funds will be directed to the Capital Project Fund, emphasizing the city's readiness to meet future capital needs.

Increased Investment Income: The budget anticipates higher investment income due to prevailing interest rates, demonstrating savvy financial management and a boost to city funds.

Investments in Community and Infrastructure:

The budget reaffirms support for retirees with additional healthcare contributions and the continuation of the Voluntary Retiree Healthcare Cash Settlement Program.

Strategic restructuring within the Building, Planning, and Police Departments aims at enhancing efficiency and service delivery, with anticipated savings and a more responsive operational structure.

A comprehensive 6-year capital improvement plan includes significant investments in major and local road funds, the Capital Project Fund, and the Water & Sewer infrastructure, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and development.

Invitation for Community Engagement and Insight:

The City of Westland's administration invites the City Council and the community to engage in a collaborative review and discussion of the proposed budget. Budget Study Sessions will be held on April 13, 20, and 27 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. This budget not only addresses immediate needs but also sets a solid foundation for sustainable growth and financial resilience.

"I am confident that through our collective efforts and strategic foresight, we can navigate the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities that our City's growth presents," stated Mayor Kevin Coleman, inviting further questions and discussions from council members and the community.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.