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State representative says budget passed; Hazel Park leaders thank volunteers and warn about downed power lines after July 3 fires
Summary
State Rep. Mike McFaul updated the council on the Michigan budget and local wins, councilors praised fast storm cleanup and the fire chief urged residents to avoid downed power lines after July 3 house fires that involved mutual aid.
State Representative Mike McFaul told the Hazel Park City Council on July 14 that the Michigan Legislature passed a budget that he described as "not a great budget, but it's a budget," and said state share revenues were largely flat.
"We finally got the budget done in Lansing," McFaul said, noting that many programs saw cuts and that next year could present even greater fiscal challenges. He credited local advocacy and Macomb County officials for persuading county crews to extend pavement work on De Quindre Road down to 8 Mile, a change he said was not originally planned.
Council members discussed an increase in school funding included in the budget; a councilor asked for clarification and McFaul confirmed a $250 increase per student that applies to public schools statewide.
The council also heard reports about the city's emergency response after a string of July 3 storms and house fires. Fire Chief Walker reported that downed primary power lines near a house on West Elza complicated firefighting and that Birmingham Fire provided mutual aid when neighboring departments were busy: "We actually had Birmingham fire come down and respond to us," the chief said. The department lost one house and saved neighboring properties; he urged residents to stay away from downed power lines.
City and department leaders praised public-works crews, volunteers and neighbors who helped with storm cleanup. The city manager said the response showed community resilience and announced plans to expand a citizen volunteer pool for emergency support.
Why it matters The budget update affects state funding flows that support local services, while the storm and house-fire reports highlight immediate public-safety concerns and the value of mutual aid and volunteer response.
What's next Councilors were reminded to support August ballot millages related to schools and the library; the city manager and department heads will continue to coordinate response and public information on downed lines and storm recovery.
