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Inkster officials weigh rec‑center repairs, staffing and millage renewal ahead of FY27
Summary
Officials told council the parks & recreation millage expires this summer; staff recommended placing renewal language on the November ballot while noting rec‑center rental revenue has fallen (projected $50K) during major repairs and programming and proposed modest staffing increases and maintenance appropriations.
Treasurer Darren reviewed Fund 208 and told council the parks and recreation millage that primarily funds the rec center is expiring this summer, and the administration plans to present renewal language to voters in November. “That millillage is expiring this summer,” Darren said, explaining that the revenue stream and center‑generated receipts (rentals, leases) together support the fund.
Staff said rentals have been hampered by ongoing construction and other interruptions; building rental revenue was conservatively budgeted at $50,000 for FY27 compared with historical figures of roughly $70,000–$75,000. Officials described completed and pending capital work: the roof is replaced, HVAC and flooring remain, and staff estimated finishing major repairs in about 60–90 days.
Appropriations for FY27 reflect a proposed increase in staffing to ensure two staff are on site whenever the center is open (adding part‑time hours and an assistant director), building maintenance budgeted at about $110,000, a $50,000 capital placeholder and a traditional $100,000 transfer to the Commission on Aging. Council members debated whether the senior commission will pay its own utilities once it moves into a new wing and whether the $100,000 transfer should continue.
Operational discussion included rental policy changes (raising deposits and charging extra for kitchen/deep‑fryer use), a janitorial RFP, and a community mural competition as an alternative to an expensive individual commission. Staff did not ask the council to adopt a millage language at this meeting but said the administration will circulate informational material ahead of a November renewal proposal.
Next steps: the administration will deliver the full FY27 budget packet and provide clearer cost and revenue assumptions; councilors asked staff to return with more precise figures for building operations, proposed staffing levels and a recommendation on the $100,000 transfer to the senior commission.
