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Port Huron council adopts 2026–27 budget and six‑year CIP; mayor abstains on budget vote
Summary
The Port Huron City Council approved the annual city budget (including the DDA budget), adopted the six‑year capital improvement program and awarded two small contracts; the budget passed 4–0 with Mayor Ashford recording an abstention citing timing and procedural questions.
The Port Huron City Council voted to adopt the city’s annual budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and to authorize the levy of tax millage rates, and separately adopted the six‑year capital improvement program (CIP).
Council recorded a 4–0 vote with one abstention on the budget adoption: Council members Lamb, Payton, Peton and Herza voted yes; Mayor Ashford stated he would abstain, saying the abstention was "just more technical than anything" and that he had not completed his questions with staff before the vote. The council confirmed that the DDA (Downtown Development Authority) budget is part of the overall budget package and that tax increment capture within the DDA funds infrastructure and façade grants in the district.
Director Witter summarized the CIP as a living six‑year plan prepared from departmental requests; the first column aligns with the current budget year and identified projects depending on available funding. He said the city relies on a mix of sources including general fund allocations, water and sewer rates, user fees, Act 51 funds for major streets, a local street millage, bond proceeds for large water/wastewater projects and federal or grant funds when available. Projects listed as "to be determined" lack identified funding and would be postponed or moved if funding does not materialize.
The council also approved several consent‑agenda items and small contract awards: a resolution authorizing membership in the West Michigan Health Insurance Pool for a minimum of three years; scheduling a June 8 public hearing on a HOME‑ARP allocation plan substantial amendment; and recognition of a local Town Hall series as a nonprofit. The council accepted a $44,600 bid from TriStar Roofing & Sheet Metal LLC to replace the roof on the primary wastewater treatment plant building, and a $44,800 bid from Kyber Calibarium & Construction for two columbariums for the Allied Veterans Cemetery. All consent and contract votes passed by roll call.
Votes at a glance: - Adopt annual budget and levy millage: passed (Yes: Lamb, Payton, Peton, Herza; Abstain: Mayor Ashford) - Adopt six‑year CIP: passed (unanimous roll call) - TriStar Roofing — wastewater plant roof ($44,600): passed - Kyber Calibarium & Construction — two columbariums ($44,800): passed - Consent resolutions (WIP membership, millage distribution request, HOME‑ARP hearing, nonprofit recognition): passed
Next steps: The approved budget goes into effect July 1, 2026. The June 8 hearing was scheduled to receive public comment on the HOME‑ARP allocation plan substantial amendment.
