FeedsQuestions abound for budget
A public hearing Monday night provided some information about the proposed $17.9 million 2008-09 city budget, but for some Inkster residents, it was not enough.
City Manager Joyce Parker provided a written presentation outlining the dollar amounts spent on city departments such as police, fire, and public works. But at least two members of the audience questioned why more information wasn’t provided by officials.
“I would like to know why there is a fund balance in the water fund, when rates are being raised,” said Ernest Hendricks, a former councilman in the city.
Parker, whose staff has scheduled at least two public meetings on the budget, said there were projects related to water and sewer funds that were not explained in the document provided to residents.
“The projects are in the main budget (booklet),” she said. “That will be available for residents to look at.”
In 2008-09, wholesale water increases implemented by the city of Detroit will be effective by July 1. The rates were increased 7.22 percent for water delivery costs, and 9.13 percent in sewage disposal costs. Inkster residents will see their rates increase by about 6 percent, if the budget is approved, as presented, by council members.
Other questions were related to the 2-year old tax levy approved by voters to fund parks, recreation and senior programs, which were on the chopping block due to budget constraints in 2006.
“We need an accounting of where the money is going, and what it’s paying for,” said Jessie Shelby, a resident. “The taxpayers need to know (the money) is being spent on what they voted for.”
A nearly 2-mill tax increase on parks and senior programs generates $400,000-$800,000 for the city. Some of those funds will pay for the renovations at the Booker Dozier Recreation Complex. So far, those improvements could include resurfacing basketball courts, the construction of soccer and tennis courts, renovation of the baseball diamond, and some landscaping.
A feasibility study for the construction of a new senior center, and likely some of the costs of construction, will also be funded through the parks levy, city officials said.
City officials have not yet debated the fiscal needs of all departments, and will meet one more time to discuss the budget. At the end of the year – providing there are no state revenue cuts – the city should end the year with $611,000 in uncommitted funds.
According to city documents, public safety remains the most expensive of city services, with $5.8 million funding police activities, and $1.6 million funding fire and rescue services.
So far, the only department that will see an additional employee is the building department, which will increase by one, full-time employee.
Other department allocations include the Department of Public Service, which was allocated $2.1 million, and the Treasury Department, which has a proposed $738,879 budget.
The budget must be approved by the second city council meeting in May, as required by the city charter. That meeting will take place May 19.
Michigan law indicates a copy the approved budget must be filed with the state by June.
