MONTAGUE — The Montague City Council met Monday to discuss the new budget proposed for the upcoming fiscal year, set to start July 1.
City manager Jeff Auch reminded council members the main goal is always to reduce the millage. Other priorities include utilizing the fund balance to stabilize cash flow for the current year, allowing for the position of future projects, and utilizing the fund balance to continue park projects and improvement or deferred maintenance. The city intends to continue to closely monitor the fund balances.
Auch mentioned the 3% cost of living increase anticipated within the next year. The primary funds include the major street and local chip-and-seal projects. The streets affected by the major street fund will include Cook Street (with a $346,500 state match) and Wilcox Street (with a $168,365 state match). Local projects include the Sheridan Street and Meade Street sidewalks, the digital radar speed limit maintenance and storm drain cleaning. Others include the water fund, launch ramp fund, sewer fund, campground fund, and garage and equipment fund.
One of the most expensive funds will be the plow truck replacement, running $260,000. Auch mentioned with this being such a large purchase and with them having to purchase separate parts, it is likely to happen over a two-year span.
Another pricey payment will be toward Maple Grove Park. The shoreline fund is $243,375, playground fund is $192,000 and the dog park fund is $75,000. The high price of the dog park sparked controversy at the last city council meeting Monday, May 20.
The budget will be voted on at the regular city council meeting Monday, June 17 and will be sent to the state when approved.
