Rochester Hills City Council adopts winter 2024 millage, approves chiller replacement and several contract purchases

The Rochester Hills City Council on Monday adopted the city nd related agencies'024 winter millage rates and approved a series of purchase authorizations tied to maintenance, facilities and technology.

City staff told the council the proposed bottom-line millage rate would be 10.8473 and said the increase was attributable to a recently voter-approved library millage; no members of the public spoke during the hearings on the proposed 2025—6 budget or the winter 2024 millage rates. The council opened and closed both public hearings with no public testimony and then adopted the millage resolution by a unanimous vote.

The council then approved multiple purchase authorizations. City staff described the key items as: - a combination sewer truck to be purchased from Jack Deaney Company (Northville) in the amount of $65,900; the council approved authorization to purchase the vehicle unanimously (motion by Mrs. Newow, seconded by Mr. Carlock). - a city hall chiller replacement project, budgeted and presented as a replacement for a 40-plus-year-old system; the council authorized a contract to KS Ventures Inc. in the amount of $944,000 with a stated project contingency (approved unanimously, motion by Mrs. Newow, seconded by Mr. Carlock). The packet includes contingency language for the project; the council approved the authorization to enter a contract subject to execution of written agreements acceptable to the city. - a three-year extension of the Verizon Wireless cellular-services contract through Aug. 31, 2029, not to exceed $325,000 (a national contract via NASPO); staff characterized this as a continuation of existing services and the council approved the extension unanimously (motion by Mr. Carlock, seconded by Mrs. Morin). - renovation and construction of passive batting cages at Bordon Park, with an awarded contract to Lang Contractors Inc. for $383,900 plus a 10% project contingency; Parks Manager Dennis Andrews said the passive system reduces labor and maintenance needs compared with the prior pitching-machine setup, and the council approved the authorization unanimously (motion by Mrs. Newow, seconded by Mr. Carlock).

Council members moved the consent agenda — which contained traffic-control orders, easement acceptances, blanket purchase orders for telecommunications and other routine matters — and approved it without items removed for individual discussion.

All motions recorded on the public agenda passed on unanimous voice votes. City staff said the proposed 2025—6 budget will be presented to the council for approval at its next meeting on Sept. 23, 2024.

Votes at a glance - Adoption of winter 2024 millage rates: adopted unanimously (motion and resolution read into record; staff cited Charter taxation provisions). - Purchase authorization: combination sewer truck, Jack Deaney Co., $65,900 — approved unanimously (mover: Mrs. Newow; second: Mr. Carlock). - Contract authorization: City Hall chiller replacement, KS Ventures Inc., $944,000 (project contingency stated in packet) — approved unanimously (mover: Mrs. Newow; second: Mr. Carlock). - Contract authorization: Verizon Wireless cellular services extension, not to exceed $325,000 through Aug. 31, 2029 — approved unanimously (mover: Mr. Carlock; second: Mrs. Morin). - Contract authorization: Passive batting cages, Lang Contractors Inc., $383,900 plus 10% contingency — approved unanimously (mover: Mrs. Newow; second: Mr. Carlock).

What happens next The city will file the adopted millage rates with the Oakland County Department of Equalization prior to Oct. 1 as required. Staff said the broader 2025—6 budget will return for council consideration at the Sept. 23 meeting.