The Sterling Heights City Council will discuss the Proposed 2023/24 City Budget during a special budget meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 11 at City Hall.
For the fiscal year beginning July 1, the City budget totals $238 million. The proposed City millage rate remains the same as last year at 16.38. The City millage rate continues to be lower than most cities in Michigan and is one of the lowest in Macomb County.
The budget funds 531 full-time positions and includes the addition of the City’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. The City still has 118 fewer full-time positions than in 2008, which saves an estimated $12 million annually.
The annual budget continues to prioritize road repair and reconstruction. The 2023/24 budget includes $6.7 million in major road work to be completed during the 2023 construction season. The following projects are funded in the proposed budget:
- Mound Road total reconstruction – Final Phase
- Moravian Road resurfacing from Schoenherr to Hayes
- Metro Parkway resurfacing from Mound to Ryan
- Pond View resurfacing from 19 Mile to Mapleleaf Court
- Maple Lane resurfacing from 14 Mile to Volpe
- Schoenherr resurfacing from Canal to M-59
In addition, as a direct result of the renewal of the Safe Streets millage, the proposed budget includes a $6 million investment in neighborhood streets that will fund sectional repairs and full reconstructions of 30 local streets.
The proposed budget includes the continuation of the sidewalk repair program, the resurfacing of a portion of the Clinton River Park trail system, and an update to the City’s Master Land Use Plan.
The proposed budget continues to prioritize Public Safety. Funds are proposed to replace 19 Police vehicles and an Advanced Life Support (ALS) squad ambulance. Funding is also included for the purchase of EMS Alternative Response Vehicles, or Echo Units, for use by Fire Department personnel responding to 911 calls for medical assistance.
Proposed public safety equipment also includes the continued replacement of turnout gear and cardiac monitors for the Fire Department and radio equipment for the Police Department. Facility improvements to the Police Department include the upgrading of the elevators and the replacement of the skylights. The parking lot at Fire Station #1 will also be replaced. “The City’s commitment to state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained personnel within the Sterling Heights Police and Fire Department is steadfast. The budget reflects this commitment,” stated Mark Vanderpool, City Manager.
The City’s financial position is very strong with healthy reserves equating to over $35 million or 28% of General Fund expenditures. “The City continues to focus on economic development, public safety and quality of life services. This focus strengthens economic vitality for our businesses and keeps taxes low for residents all while providing best in class services,” said Chief Financial Officer, Jennifer Varney.
A series of budget workshops will be held prior to the budget adoption on May 1. The workshop schedule and a copy of the proposed budget document are available under “City Budget” on the City’s website at sterling-heights.net.
All budget workshops will take place in the Council Chambers, located on the upper level of City Hall (40555 Utica Road). All meetings will be live streamed on the City’s website and televised live on Sterling Heights Television (SHTV) on Comcast Channel 5, WOW Channel 10 or AT&T Uverse Channel 99. Meetings are available for viewing over the internet the following business day on SHTV On-Demand at sterling-heights.net and also rebroadcasted on SHTV.