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Royal Oak DDA approves $7.03 million 2026–27 budget; board signals likely amendments
Summary
The Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority approved a $7,031,500 manager's budget for fiscal 2026–27 and will forward it to the city's finance department, while directors flagged multiple items that may require later amendments and committee review.
The Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority on June 17 approved a manager's budget for fiscal year 2026–27 that projects $7,031,500 in revenue and includes program shifts and placeholders for event and marketing spending.
Mr. Cromer, the staff presenter, told directors the proposal reflects strategic cuts and reallocations: the DDA eliminated one event (Royal Oak Live) to recover about $100,000, trimmed media spending and redirected funds toward business retention and recruitment. "What you'll be voting on today in the new budget would be an additional $100,000 to what's already been committed" to the business retention fund, he said.
Directors asked for detail on line items and contingencies. Director Nelson sought clarification about a $1,487,500 line tied to Catalpa Drive resurfacing; staff explained that number represents a larger city contract and that the DDA's share is limited to the alley segment adjacent to the district and is expected to be in the low five figures, not the seven-figure amount listed in the city's contract document.
Several members emphasized that the board's action approves a base budget and that amendments will be the mechanism for adding items discussed after the manager's submission. "If you don't see an item in the budget, that we would be bringing it before you and we'd have to change that," Mr. Cromer said, noting amendments go through finance and potentially to the city commission.
The board debated placeholders for event sponsorships and media lines — including a line for the Royal Oak Restaurant Association and a media allocation previously slated as a Metro Times contract. Staff said there is no active contract with Metro Times and that the related line functions as a placeholder for earned-media opportunities.
Director Dunston moved to approve the budget, a motion supported and carried by voice vote. The DDA's approval sends the manager's budget to the city's finance department and ultimately the city commission, with staff and committees expected to bring forward any amendments for additional programs or capital changes.
Next steps: the DDA's approved manager's budget will be submitted to the city's finance office for inclusion in the citywide process; directors said they expect follow-up committee work and formal amendments where required.
