Proposed 2022/23 Sterling Heights budget includes tax rate reduction; funds road improvements, public safety staffing and equipment. Budget hearings to be held on April 12 and 26.
The Sterling Heights City Council will discuss the Proposed 2022/23 City Budget during a special budget meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12 at City Hall.
For the fiscal year beginning July 1, the City budget totals $252 million. The proposed City millage rate of 16.38 represents a 0.2942 mill decrease compared to last year. The City millage rate continues to be lower than most cities in Michigan and is one of the lowest in Macomb County.
The budget funds 522 full-time positions and includes the addition of a Deputy Police Chief. The City still has 127 fewer full-time positions than in 2008, which saves an estimated $12 million annually.
The annual budget continues to prioritize road repair and reconstruction. The 2022/23 budget includes $30 million required to leverage $110 million from federal, state and county funding for major road reconstruction during the 2022 construction season. The following projects are funded in the proposed budget:
- Mound Road Total Reconstruction – Phase II
- 14 Mile Road Resurfacing – Hayes Road to Maple Lane
- Ryan Road Resurfacing – Metro Parkway to 18 Mile Road
- Ryan Road Concrete Repairs – 14 Mile Road to Metro Parkway
- Schoenherr Road Resurfacing – 19 Mile Road to M-59
- Plumbrook Road Resurfacing – Utica Road to Van Dyke Avenue
The proposed budget includes the continuation of the sidewalk gap and repair programs and includes funding for a citywide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training initiative.
The proposed budget also continues to invest in public safety. Funds are proposed to replace a 25-year old Fire Engine and 17 Police vehicles. Proposed public safety equipment includes the continued replacement of air packs and cardiac monitors for the fire department and in-car computers and modems for the police department. The replacement of the heating and cooling system at Fire Station #5 and the installation of additional security gates in the police department parking lot are also proposed.
The City’s financial position is very strong with a solid reserve equating to nearly $34 million or 29% of General Fund expenditures. “The City continues to focus on economic development, public safety and quality of life services. This focus strengthens economic vitality for our businesses and keeps taxes low for residents all while providing excellent services,” said City Manager Mark Vanderpool.
A series of budget workshops will be held prior to the budget adoption on May 4. The workshop schedule and a copy of the proposed budget document are available under “City Budget” on the City’s website at sterling-heights.net.
All budget workshops will take place in the Council Chambers, located on the upper level of City Hall (40555 Utica Road). All meetings will be live streamed on the City’s website and televised live on Sterling Heights Television (SHTV) on Comcast Channel 5, WOW Channel 10 or AT&T Uverse Channel 99. Meetings are available for viewing over the internet the following business day on SHTV On-Demand at sterling-heights.net and also rebroadcasted on SHTV.
Original source can be found here.
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