East Lansing City Council considers ballot language for dedicated parks and recreation millage

The East Lansing City Council convened on June 17, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a primary focus on proposed ballot language for a dedicated parks and recreation millage. This meeting followed a series of discussions and resolutions aimed at addressing the city's fiscal challenges, particularly a projected $3.1 million deficit in the fiscal year 2026 budget.

City Manager Bellman initiated the discussion by outlining the council's previous resolution from May 27, 2025, which directed the city attorney to draft proposed ballot language for a dedicated millage to support parks and recreation operations and maintenance. The proposed millage aims to provide a stable funding source for community programs and facilities, reflecting the city's commitment to maintaining its recreational services.

City Attorney Chubb presented the amended ballot language, which seeks to allow an additional 2 mills to be levied during years when the city imposes an income tax. This change is necessary due to existing charter limitations that restrict the total millage the city can levy. The proposed amendment would increase the total authorized levy from 13 mills to 15 mills, specifically earmarked for parks and recreation.

During the meeting, council members debated the implications of the proposed millage. Some expressed strong support, emphasizing the importance of investing in community infrastructure and ensuring the sustainability of parks and recreation services. Others raised concerns about the potential for the new millage to replace existing funding sources rather than providing additional resources, arguing that it could mislead voters regarding its purpose.

A motion was made to defer the decision on the ballot language until July 15, 2025, to allow for further discussion and input from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, which had previously failed to achieve a quorum for a special meeting. This motion included a request for a list of potential budget cuts should the millage not pass, as well as an analysis of the financial impact on average households in East Lansing.

The council ultimately voted on the proposed ballot language, with some members voicing their support for bringing the issue to voters, while others expressed reservations based on past commitments regarding the city's budget and funding strategies. The outcome of this discussion will shape the future of parks and recreation funding in East Lansing, with the potential for a public vote in November 2025.