Wayne County unveils ambitious balanced budget plan

Wayne County officials announced a significant upgrade in their credit rating from Standard & Poor's in early July, reflecting improved financial discipline and liquidity. This marks a notable recovery from 2015 when the county was rated below investment grade.

During a recent government meeting, the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year was discussed, totaling $2.18 billion, slightly down from $2.21 billion the previous year. The general fund allocation is set at $769 million, an increase from $755 million, while the non-general fund is projected at $1.41 billion, up from $1.4 billion.

Key initiatives in the budget include funding for the opening of a new facility for the Criminal Justice Center (CJC) on September 1, as well as various health and human services programs aimed at promoting healthier communities. These programs encompass initiatives like the Wayne Whale initiative, which includes mobile clinics and access to essential health resources.

Youth services are also a priority, with funding directed towards mentoring programs and educational initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence. Additionally, the budget addresses staffing enhancements, including pay increases and reduced healthcare contributions for employees.

The budget also continues the implementation of the Oracle project, which aims to stabilize and enhance the county's payroll and HR processes, alongside developing a new budget planning system.

Chief Deputy CFO Rob Whitigan acknowledged the late submission of the budget book and expressed gratitude to the commission for their understanding. He emphasized the importance of aligning the county's resources with critical needs while maintaining financial discipline. The comprehensive budget plan for fiscal years 2024 through 2026 is detailed in a 320-page document, marking the tenth balanced operating budget recommended by CEO Evans.