Commission hears public on $735 million budget, proposed 8.8587 mill tax rate; comptroller warns office funding cut threatens oversight

City staff presented a proposed tax rate of 8.8587 mills and an operating budget that city materials list at roughly $735,000,000 as part of a public hearing on the fiscal year 2026 budget. The hearing included public comments on the budget, fines and fees, and a separate roll-call vote earlier in the meeting to adopt a budget amendment.

Why it matters: The commission must adopt a final fiscal-year budget; public testimony raised concerns about core financial oversight functions, proposed fees, and proposed investments in equity, parks and public safety.

The city manager opened the hearing noting the proposed millage rate of 8.8587 and saying the general operating fund is approximately $196,000,000. The manager described budget priorities including $240,000,000 for health and environment (parks, water and related functions), roughly $35,000,000 for corridor improvement districts and “over $36,000,000 in investments that advance equity.”

City Comptroller Max France told the commission the proposed budget “does not include funding for one of the most basic functions of a city office,” and warned that the budget would strip “millions of dollars” and nearly all resources from the comptroller’s office. France said he requested restoration of “a minimum of 14 FTEs and positions” he says have historically been appropriated to the comptroller’s office. He described the cuts as removing crucial checks and balances and asked commissioners not to approve a budget that removes those resources.

Public commenters addressed a range of budget-related items. Dee Jones, a local community member and program organizer, urged the commission to adopt cryptocurrency payments for city fees and utilities, arguing it would expand payment options and attract technology investment. Jones said, “I would love for you guys to do this,” and later, “Please do it, David,” addressing Mayor David LeGrand.

Other public comments addressed parking fines and fee structure. A city speaker reminded attendees that under Michigan law “fees cannot exceed the cost of actually providing the service,” a principle the manager said guides fee-setting. Commissioner Perdue asked a question on a proposed new 5% administrative fee tied to “CIA service agreements” (administrative services); staff said the CFO would follow up and the item would be referred to Community of the Whole for further review.

Earlier in the meeting, a roll-call vote adopted “an ordinance amending section 1 of the budget ordinance 2024–2025 (amendment number 8).” Commissioner Robbins moved the ordinance and a roll call produced these recorded individual votes: Robbins — yes; Perdue — yes; Knight — no; Balcheck — yes; Esauce — yes; Mayor LeGrand — yes. The motion carried and commissioners then moved for immediate effect; that motion carried as well.

Other budget-related public points included requests to shift the date of a local fireworks event to June for better weather and turnout, suggestions for improved parking signage downtown, and calls for increased assistance to newly elected commissioners to aid constituent communication.

Next steps: The commission indicated the budget is not final and anticipated final adoption at a future meeting (the city manager said final adoption is expected on the twentieth date referenced in meeting materials). Staff also said the CFO will provide follow-up details on the new administrative fee and that the treasurer’s office can assist residents who need help paying online fees via the city payment portal.

The hearing also covered fee adjustments that will take effect Jan. 1 if adopted; staff said about 80% of fees are unchanged or only adjusted for cost of living and that other changes reflect cost of service analysis.

No final vote on the overall FY26 tax rate was taken at the hearing; the commission will consider final adoption at the subsequent meeting.