Madison Heights presents $66.1 million proposed FY2026 budget as council presses on cuts, rates and pensions

City Manager Marsh presented the city's proposed fiscal year 2026 budget to the Madison Heights City Council, saying the plan "reflects our commitment to community priorities, maintains existing services, implements the capital improvement plan, and continues to honor our city's strategic plan." The total proposed budget is $66,100,000 with a General Fund allocation of $42,300,000.

The budget holds the proposed operating tax rate at 25.4572 mills, the same rate as fiscal 2025, leaving only 0.166 mills of operating millage capacity. Finance Director Linda Coonath told council the proposal reflects an overall reduction of $392,383 versus the adopted FY2025 budget (excluding carryforwards and amendments) driven primarily by the elimination of four vacant full‑time positions and by deferring certain capital expenditures.

Marsh and Coonath said capital outlay of roughly $8,800,000 is included for vehicles, equipment…