Members of the Westland City Council unanimously approved the $82.3 million budget proposed for 2024-2025 by Mayor Kevin Coleman.
Coleman noted in a prepared statement that the budget submitted June 3 was designed to support essential services and promote community growth. “This budget marks a significant step forward in ensuring the continued safety, well-being, and development of our city,” according to a posted comment.
The new budget allocates funding to enhance the capabilities of the city fire and police departments. Funding for a new fire station to be constructed at the old Hawthorn Valley site is included in the proposed expenses. The budget also includes funding for new investigative technology to be installed in the police department.
Coleman’s budget also includes investments in city parks, including plans for Cayley Park, Corrado Park, Stottlemyer Park and Curtis Woods Park. Plans include upgrading recreational spaces in the parks.
The approved budget also includes detailed plans for the General Fund, Water & Sewer Fund, Capital Improvement Fund, and the Library Fund, all integrated into the six-year financial outlook of the city. This strategic approach ensures a balanced budget while maintaining an overall fund balance of $12 million, officials said.
No increases to the city millage rate were proposed maintaining the current tax structure.
Included in the budget was $5,150,000 in grant revenue from various sources, including the SAFER, ARPA, and JAG grants.
The councilmembers also approved the strategic restructuring within the building, planning, public services, and police departments which Coleman included in the budget.
A comprehensive 6-year capital improvement plan includes investments of $11.8 million for this budget and a total of $48.5 million during the next 6 years in major and local road funds, the Capital Project Fund, and the Water & Sewer infrastructure.
Coleman said the budget included community engagement and insight.
“The collaborative efforts of our residents, City staff, and Council members have been instrumental in shaping this plan,” Coleman said. "I was encouraged by the unanimous support on the budget we received from Westland City Council.
"The investments in public safety, senior services, and parks and recreation will make sure Westland continues to offer great services without raising costs for taxpayers."
