Council votes 5–2 to place 4.9192‑mill police and fire operating proposal on November ballot
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Summary
By a 5–2 vote, St. Clair Shores council directed staff to place a charter amendment on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot to renew existing police and fire operations funding and add a 0.5‑mill increase (to 4.9192 mills). Council members debated transparency, budget context and whether the public had been given a clear set of choices.
St. Clair Shores council voted 5–2 to place a police and fire operations millage question on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot that would renew the existing levy (4.4192 mills) and add a 0.5‑mill increase, producing a total of 4.9192 mills for three years if approved by voters.
The motion directed city staff to forward the proposal to the Michigan Attorney General for ballot language review and to include any necessary non‑substantive edits. The council recorded a roll‑call vote of five in favor and two opposed.
Why this matters: The current police and fire millage authority is expiring; council must submit a question to voters if it seeks to continue or change the funding source. The item drew extended debate over public notice, the range of options presented to voters and whether the council should seek a straight renewal versus a modest increase.
Debate and council concerns Council members who opposed placing the proposed 4.9192‑mill question on the ballot argued that packet materials did not clearly present alternatives for public review before the vote and that the public had not been given a meaningful choice. Opponents said the city’s financial position and rising assessed values have already increased revenues and advocated for a straight renewal rather than an increase.
Supporters said the proposed increase is modest, that police and fire services require stable funding for staffing and operations, and that ultimately the voters should decide. Supporters also noted the millage would not cover total department budgets; it contributes to police and fire operating costs.
Procedural outcome The council motion — moved by Councilman Rubello and seconded by Councilman Frederick — passed 5–2. Council instructed staff to prepare the ballot language and forward it to the Attorney General for review. The city attorney will make any non‑substantive changes requested by the attorney general.
Ending: With the council’s vote, voters will see the police and fire operations proposal on the Nov. 4, 2025 general‑election ballot; the council will not itself change current operations but will rely on voter approval to maintain or supplement current funding levels.
