Midland council approves $30,000 budget amendment to fund Tridge structural inspection

The Midland City Council on Nov. 24 voted unanimously to amend the city’s fiscal year 2026 parks budget to accept $30,000 from the Tridge Endowed Maintenance Fund and pay for a structural inspection of the Tridge.

Karen Murphy, speaking for city parks staff, told the council the Tridge — the city’s signature pedestrian bridge — needs recoating and that staff has observed visible wood rot on supporting members. "They've given us a proposal for $28,500 to do a thorough inspection of the Tridge and to let us know what needs to be done in addition to the staining of the arches," Murphy said, adding that the additional funds would cover incidental costs.

Murphy said staff expects the Western Woods inspection report this winter and that, contrary to a typo in her slide, the work is hoped to be completed in 2026. Council members asked whether the assessment was complete and Murphy confirmed the analysis has been done and the formal report is pending.

Clerk Lacey read a resolution that would increase parks revenues and expenditures by $30,000 to accept funds from the Tridge Endowed Maintenance Fund, held at the Midland Area Community Foundation, for the inspection. Council members described the expenditure as "a good investment" before the mayor called the question; the council adopted the amendment by voice vote, 5-0.

Next steps: staff will receive and review the Western Woods report when it arrives, and any recommended maintenance work will be scheduled and budgeted according to administrative purchasing thresholds and timelines noted in the report.