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Marquette commission approves budget, rezoning and strategic plan; personnel contract extensions pass
Summary
At its Sept. 8 meeting the Marquette City Commission adopted the FY2026 budget and general appropriations act, rezoned 480 River Park Circle back to industrial manufacturing, approved the city strategic plan for FY2026–2028, and extended/raised contracts for the city attorney and city manager.
The Marquette City Commission on Sept. 8 took multiple formal votes: it adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget and general appropriations act, approved a rezoning ordinance for 480 River Park Circle, adopted a three‑year strategic plan, and approved contract amendments for the city attorney and city manager.
Budget and general appropriations
Following a public hearing with no public commenters, City Manager Karen Kovacs summarized the budget timeline and revenue assumptions. The commission then voted to adopt the FY2026 budget and general appropriations act as presented. Commissioners said the proposal balanced services and asset investment while avoiding a city millage increase; the vote was 6-0.
Rezoning of 480 River Park Circle
The commission approved Ordinance 25-12 to rezone 480 River Park Circle to industrial manufacturing. Staff explained the prior Shophouse Park PUD had expired because final site plans were not submitted within the required timeframe under the Land Development Code, so zoning reverts to the previous classification. The motion passed 6-0.
Strategic plan 2026–2028
Commissioners approved the City of Marquette Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2026–2028 and adopted a resolution to implement it. Commissioners described the plan as a product of work sessions and said it will guide priorities for the next three years. Vote: 6-0.
City attorney and city manager evaluations and contract changes
The commission accepted the annual performance evaluations for the city attorney and the city manager and approved contract amendments for both. For each, a subcommittee recommended a one‑year term extension (through 09/30/2028) and a 5% salary increase. For the city manager, the subcommittee also recommended increasing the potential severance from six to up to 12 months with commensurate service credit if terminated without cause. Commissioners discussed the subcommittees’ positive reviews and approved the proposed contract amendments; both votes were 6-0.
Votes at a glance (motions, movers, seconders, outcomes): - Adopt FY2026 budget and general appropriations act. Mover: Commissioner Ottaway; second: Commissioner Davis. Outcome: approved, roll-call 6-0. - Adopt Ordinance 25-12 to rezone 480 River Park Circle to industrial manufacturing. Mover: Commissioner Larson; second: Commissioner Davis. Outcome: approved, roll-call 6-0. - Approve City of Marquette strategic plan for FY2026–2028 and adopt resolution. Mover: Commissioner Davis; second: Commissioner Larson. Outcome: approved, roll-call 6-0. - Approve city attorney annual evaluation and amend contract (5% increase; term to 09/30/2028). Mover: Commissioner Ottaway; second: Mayor Pro Tem Schlegel. Outcome: approved, 6-0. - Approve city manager annual evaluation and amend contract (5% increase; term to 09/30/2028; modified severance clause). Mover: Mayor Pro Tem Schlegel; second: Commissioner Ottaway. Outcome: approved, 6-0.
The commission’s roll-call votes were all unanimous (6-0) on these items. Several commissioners praised staff work on the budget and strategic plan and thanked the evaluation subcommittee for its reviews.
