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Sterling Heights introduces midyear budget amendment; SAFER grant to support nine firefighters
Summary
Council received first reading of the fiscal-year 2025–26 appropriations amendment, which carries forward unspent projects, recognizes grant revenue (including SAFER funds to hire nine firefighters temporarily) and reflects increased state road funding projections; formal adoption is scheduled for Jan. 6.
City Finance Director Jennifer Varney introduced the first amendment to the FY2025–26 appropriations ordinance, explaining adjustments to carry forward prior approvals, recognize new grants, and reflect state budget changes.
Varney said the amendment increases general fund expenditures by about $112,000 and recognizes roughly $389,000 in grant‑funded expenditures — including $314,000 to cover four months of pay for nine firefighters. The SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant will cover 75% of those firefighter costs in years one and two, with the city responsible for the remaining share and higher cost share in year three. "Over the three‑year period, the total cost of wages and benefits is about $4,200,000," Varney said, with approximately $2.6 million in grant funding and a city cost share of roughly $1.6 million spread over three years.
Varney also described larger carry‑forwards in other city funds — roughly $30.4 million overall to reappropriate road projects and capital work (including about $13.5 million for unspent road projects and $9.5 million for capital projects). She noted that the state budget will reduce constitutional revenue sharing by an estimated $300,000 this year but adds a new public‑safety revenue component and large road‑funding increases (estimated $5.3 million additional this fiscal year and more in subsequent years). Varney said these road revenue estimates are not yet appropriated for specific projects and that staff will wait to see funds in hand before allocating new expenditures.
Council members asked pointed questions about a retroactive state cut of roughly $190,000 in legislative directed spending (police command vehicle), how the SAFER positions would be sustained after three years, and exposure if projected state road funding is reduced in later years. Varney and staff said they expect to receive some state reimbursements (work with legislators is ongoing) and that any long‑term staffing commitments would be re‑evaluated and could be managed through attrition if necessary.
Varney closed noting that the amendment was introduced for first reading; adoption is scheduled for the council meeting on Jan. 6.
