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Council approves planning department budget with modest cuts to supplies and travel
Summary
Planning department presented permitting, enforcement and revenue data and proposed modest reductions. Council adopted a set of proposed cuts displayed by staff and moved the planning budget forward 6–1.
Monroe County’s planning department presented its 2026 budget Aug. 27 and described permitting revenue growth, enforcement activity and technical work supporting land use and building permits. The department and council agreed on modest, targeted cuts to nonpersonnel lines.
The department told council it has eight full‑time staff and performs a broad range of services including planner‑of‑the‑day phone support, use determinations, predesign consultations, enforcement letters and site visits. Director (presenter identified in the transcript as Jela) said permitting software and fee adjustments will be discussed with the planning commission, and reported fiscal‑year permitting revenue of about $143,204 — an increase over prior years.
Director Jela proposed reductions after the council signaled restraint on travel and training. Proposed cuts included reductions to office supplies and one‑time professional services, and a suggested training/travel figure of $17,000 (reflecting a national conference in Detroit and accreditation continuing education needs). The director described the department’s professional accreditations and continuing education requirements (American Planning Association certified planners must meet continuing education hours) as part of the justification for training funds.
Councilor Iverson moved a package of proposed reductions (as shown on the department’s slide) and the council approved the package by voice vote, then adopted the budget adjustments in a roll call vote. Councilors discussed the value of in‑person conferences for networking and ethics training and asked staff to continue seeking integration and cost‑savings where possible. The roll call vote to advance the planning budget passed 6–1 (Councilor Hawk voted no).
The department will bring fee schedule proposals to the planning commission as it implements the recently passed county development ordinance; councilors asked for continued attention to training cost‑effectiveness and for staff to return with specific fee proposals and cost details if available.
