New Baltimore adopts FY2026–27 budget; total millage set at 11.3858

New Baltimore Mayor Thomas Semaan and the City Council adopted the city—Y2026—Y2026'6 27 budget and set millage rates on June 22, approving a total city millage of 11.3858, down 0.3013 from the prior year. The council approved the budget by adopting Resolution No. 1014 after a recorded vote that was decided by Mayor Semaan—s tie-breaking vote.

The approved millage rates are: city operating 8.9414 mills, fire department 0.9798 mills, and city water debt 1.4646 mills, for a total of 11.3858 mills for FY2026—Y2026'6 27. Council unanimously approved the millage motion prior to adopting the full budget package.

Why this matters: the millage rate determines property-tax levies for New Baltimore residents and funds city operations, public safety and water debt service for the coming fiscal year. The council—s adoption of the budget formalizes spending and revenue authorizations for the city through June 30, 2027.

How the vote unfolded: Councilperson Mel Eason moved to adopt Resolution No. 1014, seconded by Councilmember Hayman. The transcript records recorded yes votes from Eason, Hayman and Harvey and opposing votes from Russell and Dittrich. The recorded vote resulted in a tie, and Mayor Thomas Semaan cast the deciding vote in favor, leading to adoption of the resolution.

Other key approvals tied to the budget and operations: the council unanimously approved a series of procurement and contract actions in a consent agenda and standalone motions. Notable approvals included awarding the City—s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Phase 5 and Phase 6 ADA ramp construction contracts to BKJ Construction (Phase 5: $172,600.00; Phase 6: $176,994.50), adoption of a new Department of Public Service (DPS) hourly rate of $107.24, and the authorization of a RecDesk software contract for Parks & Recreation for $8,715.00.

Votes at a glance (motions passed): - Award BKJ Construction: CDBG ADA ramps Phase 5 ($172,600.00) and Phase 6 ($176,994.50) — motion passed unanimously. - Approve millage rates for FY2026—Y2026'6 27 (total 11.3858 mills; decrease of 0.3013) — motion passed unanimously. - Adopt Resolution No. 1014 (FY2026—Y2026'6 27 budget) — motion carried after the mayor—s tie-breaking vote (recorded yes: Eason, Hayman, Harvey, and Mayor Semaan; recorded opposing: Russell, Dittrich). - DPS hourly rate set at $107.24 — unanimous. - RecDesk contract for Parks & Recreation ($8,715.00) — unanimous. - Enclosed trailer purchase (Shore Trailer) for emergency repairs ($7,495.00), cost split DPS/Water — unanimous. - Wastewater Treatment Plant RAS pump VFD replacement ($10,680.00) and SCADA server SQL update ($2,900.00) — unanimous. - Payment #4 and Change Order #2 (final) to Teltow Contracting for WWTP inlet valve replacement ($1,645.76) — unanimous.

Items noted but not subject to public debate: the meeting included routine approvals such as receiving and filing department reports and minutes, vendor payments on the schedule of bills, and the receipt of several commission meeting minutes (Arts & Culture, DDA, Planning Commission). There were no public comments during the budget hearing.

Closed session: the council entered a closed session to discuss three matters listed on the record: protected health information under HIPAA (MCL 15.268(1)(h)), a labor issue (MCL 15.268(1)(c) and (h)), and a real estate purchase (MCL 15.268(1)(d)). The council returned to open session at 7:46 PM and adjourned the meeting.

Next procedural step: the adopted budget and millage rates apply for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027; the council completed the meeting with formal signatures by Mayor Thomas Semaan and City Clerk Marcia Shinska.