East Lansing City Council proposes dedicated parks and recreation millage for November ballot

A proposed resolution to prepare ballot language for a dedicated parks and recreation millage took center stage at the East Lansing City Council meeting on May 23, 2025. City Manager Mr. Bellman emphasized the need for a sustainable revenue source to support the city's parks and recreation programs, which he described as essential services that enhance community well-being and quality of life.

Bellman acknowledged the challenges posed by the city's budget constraints, stating that the general fund struggles to meet annual expenditures. He proposed that a dedicated millage could provide the necessary funding to maintain and grow parks and recreation services without relying solely on the general fund, which may face cuts in the future.

During the discussion, council members expressed their support for the resolution, noting that it was merely a step toward drafting the ballot language and not a vote to place it on the ballot. The importance of community dialogue and input was highlighted, with plans to establish a fiscal health task force to address broader financial challenges facing the city.

However, some council members raised concerns about the timing of the proposal. Mr. Meadows argued that the council should first wait for recommendations from the financial health team before moving forward with a ballot initiative. He emphasized the need for thorough community engagement and communication regarding the budget and potential tax increases.

Despite differing opinions, the council ultimately moved to approve the resolution directing the city manager to prepare the ballot language. This decision marks a significant step toward ensuring the future of East Lansing's parks and recreation services, with further discussions and community input expected in the coming months.