Goodrich council adopts 2025–26 budget, sets mill rate and approves wage and equipment measures

The Goodrich Village Council on June 9 adopted its 2025–26 operating budget and set the general operating mill rate at 6.3857 after public hearings and council discussion. Councilors said the mill rate reflects statutory calculations and noted it represents roughly a 1% decrease from the prior rate.

The budget and mill-rate votes were the meeting’s central actions. Councilors approved the operating budget as presented and then passed a string of related resolutions, including three 3% wage adjustments for the village treasurer, the DPW supervisor and the village administrator/clerk. The council conducted each adoption by voice vote; the record shows unanimous assent on each item.

Why it matters: adopting the budget and mill rate determines the village’s revenue and spending plan for the coming fiscal year and funds day-to-day services, equipment replacements and small capital projects. The council and staff said individual line items can be adjusted through amendments during the fiscal year.

Council also approved a set of smaller but routine spending items: renewal of the Michigan Municipal League membership at $1,146 for the July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 term; purchase of a locking gate for the municipal building’s internet closet at $233.99 to protect networking equipment used during rentals; and replacement of an aging mower with a John Deere Z950M Z-trak unit at $11,914.34, with the old mower retained as a backup. The gate purchase was noted as covered by the current-year budget; the mower was budgeted in a prior year.

In a separate item focused on a local infrastructure hazard, council authorized an estimated-cost approval not to exceed $40,000 for a Senica Street storm-sewer extension. Staff described a hole at a roadside inlet created after adjacent property was filled and said repeated temporary fencing had failed; council said the work is intended to remove a public-safety risk. The motion that passed authorized staff to proceed with an estimate not to exceed $40,000; the record identifies the property owner involved in background discussion (transcribed as 'Steinhoff') and indicates staff will coordinate contractor scheduling and permitting.

Public comment included a request from resident Jim Bush for signage directing people to trail parking. Bush introduced himself to the council: “My name is Jim Bush. I’ve come to the council commission from this side up in Freddy.” Council voted to allow a trail-parking sign at the village office parking area so long as it does not create parking problems.

Staff updates and other matters: the administrator reported meetings with Risk Control (named in the record as Patrick Nelson) and receipt of a letter about a feasibility study (named in the record as Jacob Pieti) that would include a dive inspection and soil borings; staff also warned residents about MDOT-related text scams and noted that MDOT has designated funding for a Pontiac Street resurfacing project. The building department reported permit and fee totals for May; the Genesee County sheriff’s contract for Oct. 1, 2024–Sept. 30, 2025 was included in the packet.

Council asked staff to return to the July agenda with quotes for replacement office desktop computers for two staffers (Laura and Matt) after staff reported the machines cannot be upgraded.

Votes at a glance: resolution 2025-08 (set general operating mill rate 6.3857) — adopted; resolution 2025-09 (adopt FY2025–26 operating budget) — adopted; resolution 2025-10 (treasurer wage adjustment, 3%) — adopted; resolution 2025-11 (DPW supervisor wage adjustment, 3%) — adopted; resolution 2025-12 (village administrator/clerk wage adjustment, 3%) — adopted; resolution 2025-13 (delinquent sewer charge collection authority) — adopted; resolution 2025-14 (extension of local tax collection dates) — adopted; resolution 2025-15 (increase single-purchase spending limit for admin/DPW supervisor from $500 to $1,000) — adopted. Other authorizations: Michigan Municipal League membership ($1,146) — approved; security gate ($233.99) — approved; John Deere mower ($11,914.34) — approved; Senica Street storm-sewer estimated cost not to exceed $40,000 — approved.

The meeting adjourned after council comments about tree-grant outreach, park improvements and volunteer needs for an upcoming festival. Council directed staff to return with additional cost quotes where needed and scheduled follow-ups as noted in packet materials.