Mayor William R. Wild presented members of the Westland City Council with a 3-year balanced budget proposal for fiscal years 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25. The 3-year budget proposal preserves a “rainy day” fund balance of approximately $6.7 million.
Highlights of proposed $72.4 million 2023-23 budget include: An overall taxable value increase of 6.15 percent; $5.5 million for improvements to the major and local roads throughout the city in 25 neighborhoods including 51 major and local roads; $4.7 million for an expansion to the William P. Faust Westland Public Library; $4.38 million for planned water and sewer capital projects in six neighborhoods and 41 roads throughout the 611 miles of water and sewer systems in the city.
In addition, Wild proposed $2.8 million for the establishment of a brand new, all-inclusive at Tattan Park.
Wild has budgeted for additional retiree healthcare contributions of $438,500 and $150,000 to continue the city voluntary retiree healthcare cash settlement program, which received four interested retirees in the 2021-22 fiscal year, saving approximately $800,000 to the OPEB liability.
He has proposed four new budgeted positions in the water and sewer department to staff a planned basement flooding mitigation team and the creation of two additional positions within the Economic Development Department, including a business retention and expansion coordinator and a business attraction coordinator.
He has also proposed funding through a partnership with the Wayne-Westland School District to implement a new crossing guard safety program which offers high level training, equipment and uniforms and doubles the current staffing numbers. In addition, he has included funding to allow for the continuation of the popular Neighborhood Makeover Program, now entering the fifth year
A budget study session is planned for 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. April 23 at Westland City Hall, 36300 Warren Road. The session is open to the public.
“The City of Westland could achieve a major milestone in the history of the city with the adoption of this 3-year balanced budget, commented Wild. “The city is in a strong financial position and a 3-year balanced budget is a recognized best practice in local government and is expected to have a positive impact on the city's bond rating.”
