Milan council approves cooperative agreement, adopts ordinances, raises base pay and sets 2025 tax rates

Milan — The Milan City Council unanimously approved a package of intergovernmental and fiscal measures at its June 18 regular meeting, including a cooperative agreement with the Washtenaw Urban County and a series of ordinances, resolutions and budget actions that city officials said maintain services and align fees with current costs.

The council voted to authorize the city to enter a cooperative agreement with the Washtenaw Urban County and directed Mayor Ed Kolar to sign the document after Councilmember Wayne moved and Councilmember Stafford seconded the motion. Councilmembers also approved a renewal of the contract for assessing services with Wayne County Assessing.

Council members approved proposed budget amendments for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, and adopted Resolution 2024‑08, which enacts a revised Official Fee Schedule to take effect July 1, 2024. The council also approved the first and final readings of two ordinances: Ordinance 2024‑01 amending Chapter 24 (water and sewers) and Ordinance 2024‑02 amending Chapter 9 (garbage, rubbish, refuse and recycling). Each ordinance was approved on unanimous roll‑call votes.

Councilmember Snyder moved, and Councilmember Kerkes seconded, Resolution 2024‑09 to increase base wages for department heads and non‑union employees; the resolution passed 7–0. The body then approved Resolution 2024‑10 amending the tax rates for fiscal year 2025 on a unanimous vote.

The council authorized payment of bills and payroll totaling $589,652.08.

Why it matters: The cooperative agreement with the Washtenaw Urban County links Milan to regional planning and funding mechanisms used for housing and community development programs; the revised fee schedule and ordinances adjust the city's regulatory and cost structure going into the new fiscal year. The wage increase affects department heads and non‑union staff citywide and the amended tax rates define revenue for the coming fiscal year.

Who said what: City officials present at the meeting included Mayor Ed Kolar and Treasurer Sarah Finch; motions were moved and seconded by named councilmembers and all measures passed unanimously. Treasurer Finch noted new ways to access the city’s water quality report and said hard copies are available on request.

Next steps: The resolutions and ordinances approved at the June 18 meeting take effect as specified (the fee schedule effective July 1, 2024); administrative staff will process contracts and the mayor will execute the cooperative agreement. The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for July 2, 2024.