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Port Huron council adopts fiscal 2025–26 budget after public questions about council pay
Summary
The Port Huron City Council adopted its annual city budget, capital improvement program and millage authorizations after public commenters questioned council pay increases and budget line items; council and staff explained the increases and the role of audit and newsletter costs.
Port Huron City Council on Monday adopted the city’s annual budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and approved the five-year capital improvement program after public comment raised questions about council pay and budget line items. The council also authorized the levy of the tax millage rates included in the budget.
The budget vote follows public comments urging scrutiny of several line items. A resident asked, “Do you really need that money?” while pointing to a $28,865 figure listed under the city council budget. The commenter also listed several proposed departmental increases for items such as police patrol and fire.
City Manager (James) responded to council members’ questions about the council budget, saying, “per the city charter, you do all receive a $5 increase this year for each meeting.” He added that a major portion of the council budget increase this year is higher audit costs and the twice-yearly newsletter expense the council funds.
Councilmember Jeff Pemberton moved to adopt the annual budget; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Mosrack and approved in roll call. The council also adopted the capital improvement program (CIP) for fiscal years 2025–26 through 2030–31 after a staff overview explained the CIP is a “living document” that aligns with departmental capital needs and the proposed budget.
Council discussion acknowledged that capital priorities shift yearly based on funding and infrastructure needs such as wastewater, roadways and distribution systems. City staff emphasized the aging infrastructure and that the CIP projects align with the budget under consideration.
Public commenters also tied the budget conversation to other agenda items that evening, including scheduled bids for park improvements and public works contracts. Councilmembers and staff committed to follow-up briefings for residents who sought detailed explanations of specific line items.
The council passed the budget and related resolutions by majority vote, completing the formal adoption and the authorization to levy the proposed tax millage rates.
Less critical details and next steps: council members said they will meet individually with residents who asked for more detail and staff will continue to align capital projects with available funding and grant opportunities.
