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Owosso officials review FY 2026-27 budget as revenues lag and street repairs face shortfall
Summary
Finance Director Brad A. Barrett told the City Council the recommended FY 2026-27 budget projects $59.8 million in revenues and $61.3 million in expenditures, with the Headlee rollback and reduced state shared revenues squeezing funds and leaving street-repair funding inadequate.
Finance Director Brad A. Barrett presented the City of Owosso’s recommended FY 2026-27 budget at a special joint meeting May 6, saying, "Total revenues for all funds are anticipated at $59.8 million and expenditures anticipated at $61.3 million." The review was delivered during a joint session that fulfills the city’s annual Redevelopment Ready Communities requirement and included representatives from the Planning Commission and the Downtown Development Authority/Main Street Board.
Barrett told the council that assessed values have continued to rise but that property tax revenues are expected to decline because of the Headlee rollback. He also cited a reduction in state shared revenues and warned that those factors, combined with rising construction costs, make it harder to fund services and capital needs. "Funding for street repairs remains a major concern as traditional funding sources fall woefully short of the rising costs of construction," the presentation said.
City Manager Nathan R. Henne noted that a legislative appropriation from Rep. BeGole’s office "is still in question," and said the council hopes that appropriation will survive the budget process because it could be used to lower utility rates. The council did not vote on the budget at this meeting; the presentation was presented as part of the annual review and discussion.
The meeting also included non-substantive agenda items: staff announced multiple openings on local boards and commissions with terms expiring in 2026–2028, and the council set its next meeting for Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Councilmember Christopher D. Owens moved to adjourn at 6:43 p.m.; the motion was supported by Councilmember Janae L. Fear and was concurred in by unanimous vote.
The budget presentation provides the council an initial look at projected revenues and shortfalls ahead of the formal budget adoption process. The city’s next regular meeting is scheduled for May 18, when further budget action or follow-up could appear on the agenda.
