Commission adopts budget amendment funding police stipends, trail construction and cloud services

The Grand Rapids City Commission on March 17 adopted an amendment to the city’s fiscal-year 2026 budget that directs funds to police recruit stipends, trail construction, snow-melt support and technology carry-forwards.

Commissioner Nisasi summarized the measure as including $100,000 for police recruit stipends, approximately $2.0–$2.5 million for construction on the Grand River’s Edge Trail, $50,000 for the snow-melt fund and a carry-forward of just over $1 million for cloud services in the fiscal services department. “First is for the police department and Kohl’s funding for recruit stipends in the amount of 100,000,” Nisasi said during the meeting.

The ordinance—described in materials as Budget Ordinance 2025-11, Amendment No. 6—was adopted by roll call with all voting commissioners recorded as "yes." The commission also approved an immediate-effect motion following the vote.

Supporters on the dais framed the amendment as a mix of public-safety investment and infrastructure maintenance. The allocation for the Grand River’s Edge Trail aims to advance an ongoing riverfront project that city staff and commissioners have identified as a priority in recent planning discussions.

The ordinance language and the roll-call vote were entered into the record; the clerk confirmed the comptroller’s warrant and treasurer’s reports earlier in the agenda. City staff will follow standard implementation steps to obligate the approved funds and return to the commission with any required administrative updates.

The commission did not identify specific contractors or grant recipients during adoption; details about procurement and timelines were discussed generally in committee and will be handled by the appropriate departments.