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Saginaw budget office outlines FY2027 $230.65M proposal, flags rising costs and project finance
Summary
The city’s proposed FY2027 budget totals $230.65 million, with a $46.18 million general fund and major enterprise spending tied to water/sewer state revolving loans; staff proposed raising household rubbish fees to $250 to address equipment and operating cost increases.
City budget staff presented the proposed FY2027 budget and answered council questions about revenue, debt and service fees.
Office of Management & Budget Director Yolanda Bland summarized the administration’s proposal: total citywide spending of $230.65 million; the general fund at $46.18 million (an increase of about $1.3 million or roughly 2%); and a larger enterprise budget driven by planned capital improvements and state revolving‑fund bonds for water and sewer projects. Bland said capital spending and bond issuances for clean‑water and drinking‑water projects account for much of the enterprise increase.
Bland noted several structural pressures: rising employee healthcare and pension costs, inflation on materials and equipment, and continuing population‑linked revenue constraints. ‘‘We continue to provide quality services while preserving financial viability,’’ Bland told the council, outlining challenges and revenue strategies including active grant pursuit and fund‑balance management.
Household rubbish fee and operations
Bland and councilmembers discussed the proposed increase in the household rubbish fee to $250 per unit. The presenter explained the budget currently uses some fund balance to bridge a gap and that packer truck and equipment price increases have driven up costs; the budget would use a portion of fund balance in FY2027 while staff searches for operational efficiencies.
Fund highlights and timing
- General fund: $46.18 million (roughly +2% year‑over‑year). - Special revenue funds: notable declines in ARPA and capital project drawdowns as prior projects near completion; major‑street and local‑street funds increased with state shared revenue and millage flows. - Enterprise funds: water and sewer budgets rise significantly to support SRF bond‑funded capital projects and related operating costs.
Bland invited council members to schedule follow‑up briefings with budget staff; a public hearing on the FY2027 budget was planned for May 18 with an anticipated adoption later that day.
Council reaction and next steps
Councilmembers asked for detail on debt service reductions (staff said several financing packages matured), asked for more granular cost‑saving options for rubbish operations, and requested follow‑up meetings with budget staff. Bland said staff would provide additional detail and meet with council members individually.
The meeting materials and budget documents are available at city hall and on the city website for review ahead of the May 18 public hearing and adoption schedule.
(Reporting note: figures and proposed fee increases were presented by staff and discussed in the meeting; the council did not adopt the budget at this meeting.)
