Westland Mayor Michael P. Londeau presented a $79 million 3-year balanced budget to members of the city council for approval during the March 31 meeting.
The balanced budget includes a rainy-day fund balance of about $6.5 million and is the plan for 2024-24, 2024-25 and 2-25-26.
“ A 3-year balanced budget is a municipal industry best practice and also lines up with our American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds spending timeline. The city is in a strong financial position and this budget is expected to have a positive impact on the city's bond rating,” Londeau told the council members.
The budget is based on an overall taxable value increase of 7.28 percent due to market value increases and uncapping of taxable value due to new homes and home sales and an increase of approximately $778,000 to operating tax revenue.
Londeau included $4.8 million for improvements to the major and local roads throughout the city in 15 neighborhoods which includes 56 major and local roads. The proposed budget also includes $4.6 million for planned water and sewer capital projects in six neighborhoods and 40 roads throughout the 611 miles of water and sewer systems in the city.
Retiree healthcare contributions of $500,000 are included in the 3-year plan along with $150,000 to continue the voluntary retiree healthcare cash settlement program, which received four interested retirees in the 2021-22 fiscal year, saving approximately $1,800,000, according to budget documents.
Londeau also proposed the addition of two full time ordinance officers along with continued supplemental officers to support the efforts of neighborhood services based on workload requirements.
Funding for trash pickup bulk items to be set out at the curb during normal residential pickups and for the new leaf pickup program is included. Londeau said the costs do not exceed the current revenues received for sanitation efforts.
The budget includes funding to update the city master plan.
A new $5 million sidewalk program is included in the budget and is expected to reduce the city liability for any hazards that may exist. Also included is $3 million to support the police and fire departments in retention and recruitment efforts.
This leaves an unallocated balance of approximately $5 million of ARPA funds, according to a statement from the city.
The budget also includes various capital investments of approximately $1.4 million, which includes a new roof for the 18th District Court building.
Budget study sessions, which are open to the public, are scheduled from 1- a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 and Saturday, April 22 at Westland City Hall, 36300 Warren Road.
“My administration is proud to present council with a 3-year balanced budget,” Londeau said.
