Mayor unveils balanced fiscal 2025-26 budget, cites growth and cost‑saving measures
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Summary
Burton’s mayor presented a balanced fiscal year 2025-26 budget to the City Council, highlighting infrastructure projects, reduced liabilities, and continued efforts to keep taxes steady while pursuing residential and commercial growth.
The mayor of Burton presented a balanced fiscal year 2025-26 budget to the City Council on April 14, outlining priorities including road and drain repairs, succession planning for impending retirements and a proposed $1 million allocation to address pension and OPEB liabilities.
The mayor said the proposed budget is the sixth balanced plan of his administration and emphasized efforts to control costs amid high inflation and uncertain federal funding. “I present to you today a balanced budget for the city of Burton’s fiscal year, 25-26,” the mayor said. He cited construction projects planned for Genesee Road, Court Street and Corvitt Road and said the city has increased its street preservation spending.
The mayor framed residential growth and new businesses as central to the city’s fiscal stability, listing recent and incoming retailers including Harbor Freight, Ross Dress for Less, Michaels, Burlington Coat Factory and 5 Below. He said fully developed subdivisions and new home construction have helped avoid tax increases. The mayor also credited administration staff and council for cost-savings work and thanked Controller Brandy Ruth and deputy controller Taylor and Louise for preparing the proposed budget.
Councilman Jose Smith noted budget workshops for public input and asked about when the budget would be posted online; administration said the document would be available on the city website within a few days. The mayor said the budget includes positions and funding for succession planning to prepare for forthcoming retirements in senior staff.
The presentation noted the city’s improving position on OPEB and MERS liabilities and reflected a continued priority on keeping water rates stable. The mayor said a proposed $1 million item in the budget is “almost imperative” given market uncertainty.
The mayor closed by thanking residents and council and said he is confident the proposed budget “reflects the shared vision and commitment of city council, my administration, and most importantly, the residents of our great city.”
A series of public budget workshops were scheduled: May 5 (public session) and May 7 (three-year forecast and department briefings), with the council encouraging residents to review the online materials and provide input.
