TRAVERSE CITY -- Traverse City commissioners are expected to set the city's budget for next year, including increased spending on streets and sidewalks.
City commissioners will meet on Monday to consider the city's $35.4 million budget that includes general fund expenses and all special and operational funds. It represents an increase in general fund spending by $475,400 over this year, all of which will go to infrastructure work.
"We need it. It's that simple," said R. Ben Bifoss, city manager.
Total infrastructure spending -- street paving, sidewalk repairs and other work -- is expected to be just more than $1.1 million next year. That figure comes after city officials opted to shift $325,650 from the fund balance to the infrastructure budget. Planned infrastructure spending had already increased by $600,000, thanks to the elimination of nine employee positions through attrition.
That $325,650 won't overly impact the $4.5 million fund balance, and a strong savings level will be maintained, said Chris Bzdok, city commissioner and mayor pro tem.
"With infrastructure in bad shape that needs work and in the worst economy in two generations, that money is better spent on pavement we're going to have to pour eventually," he said. "We need that and we need to keep doing that."
City commissioners will meet again on June 8 for a study session to discuss how to prioritize planned infrastructure projects, such as sidewalk repairs and improvements to both major and local streets.
Current estimated infrastructure spending needs in the city total $32 million. A 20-year rotation of work is planned to re-build the city's infrastructure, Bifoss said.
The 2009-2010 proposed general fund budget is balanced at $14,051,250, a decline in operational spending from this year by $130,500. The property tax rate will remain at 13.1765 mills.
About the meeting
Who: Traverse City commissioners
What: The 2009-2010 city budget
Where: Commission Chambers, Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Ave. in Traverse City
When: Monday at 7 p.m.
More information: Call (231) 922-4440 or visit www.ci.traverse-city.mi.us and choose the budget link
