Romulus council approves series of budget amendments, zoning text changes and appointments

The Romulus City Council on Oct. 27 approved a bundle of budget amendments, zoning text amendments and other routine actions in a meeting that included ceremonial resolutions and an appointment to the Board of Review.

The council voted to introduce three mayor-recommended budget amendments: 25/26-8 (to recognize revenue and allow reimbursement tied to the Welch Packaging Brownfield agreement), 25/26-9 (to cover a grant match and additional capital outlay), and 25/26-10 (to recognize FEMA AFG grant revenue for life‑saving equipment). Council members also approved final adoption of several clerk‑introduced budget amendments that had been introduced earlier, adopted zoning-text changes and code amendments, and approved routine warrants and appointments.

The budget-amendment items were explained by city staff during the mayor’s report and by the clerk during the meeting. Julie Albert summarized the Welch Packaging brownfield reimbursement: eligible receipts reviewed by consultant AKT Peerless total $200,311.27; the original 2015 agreement allowed reimbursement up to $700,000, and staff said suspending tax-capture beginning in 2026 would end further reimbursement eligibility. Council introduced 25/26-8 so staff can return in December with a request for the formal reimbursement and for suspension of capture.

Council also approved the second reading and final adoption of multiple clerk-proposed budget amendments that were introduced at the Oct. 13 meeting: 25/26-2 ($50,000 to repair Ecorse Creek drains), 25/26-3 (amount recorded in the motion: $1,524,596 to cover annual bond payments and interest expense), 25/26-4 ($20,000 for annual claims expense), 25/26-6 ($291,000 for increased…