Includes New Hires and Capital Projects
Macomb aldermen previewed the new city budget Monday. City Administrator Scott Coker told the Committee of the Whole that the budget should total $6.9 million when it takes effect May 1, with the city carrying a $5 million cash balance into the new fiscal year. Coker said the FY 25-26 city budget shows a $1.9 million deficit.
Coker said the new budget would detail Macomb’s strategic plan. He said it would also detail the economic impact of the proposed indoor sports complex. “Both of our TIF districts are healthy,” Coker said. He said the budget would contain $150,000 for housing development in the East Side Tax Increment Finance District.
The city administrator said the new budget would show higher sales tax revenues, sometimes replacing use taxes. He said there are additional revenues from in-house hearings conducted by the city attorney. Coker said the budget also reflects higher animal control fees and increased utility fees. He said garbage collection fees would go up by one dollar to $23.50 per month, and that there would be a $25.33 debt service fee on city water service.
Coker said Macomb would be hiring two new city employees, a planning and development specialist and a part-time clerk to screen Freedom of Information Act requests. There are two promotions to deputy directors for Go West buses and response vans. Coker said city employees would receive a four percent annual raise and that the police and firefighter pension funds would total $2.8 million.
The city administrator said $200,000 has been budgeted to support the new city comprehensive plan, $500,000 for a jetter to clear sewer lines, $150,000 for a city hall generator, and $16,000 for a humidifier. Coker said there is $2 million in the city employee health insurance account. He said money would be spent for improved lighting in alleys feeding into the downtown square. Coker said city sales tax bonds may be rolled over to cover some of the planned expenses.
Mayor Pro Tem John Vigezzi called Coker’s budget memo “a great tool in monitoring our fiscal progress.” He said the figures show that Macomb is fiscally sound.
In other business, aldermen discussed a proposed ordinance creating a special event liquor license for Macomb Heritage Days on June 25 through 27. Alderman Justin Schuch said he feels there should be more discussion about family venues during the annual celebration.
