WHITEHALL— During Tuesday’s meeting, Whitehall’s city council discussed the budget for the new fiscal year starting July 1.
City Manager Scott Huebler mentioned there is no money allocated for sidewalk repairs this year, but Department of Public Works director Brian Armstrong said they anticipated setting aside approximately $45,000 for repairs within the next two years.
Additionally, the city has submitted a grant request to Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources for $230,000. If received, the grant will go towards Funnell Field and Gee Park upgrades.
Whitehall will also be implementing a marijuana tax of $118,200 for the two provisioning shops to submit to the state. Huebler said the city should get a portion of the submitted tax dollars back.
Council member Scott Brown voiced concerns with the budget for the Whitehall Police Department. Based on his own research, he said Whitehall’s police budget is almost double that of communities of similar size. Whitehall’s current police fund is located within the general fund of $895,000. The general fund balance has been based off of the recent cost of living increase of 4.5%, per the Detroit Consumer Price Index.
During the public comment portion, Patrick Nulty, new owner of Mylan’s Waterfront Grille, has submitted forms requesting to become a part of the Whitehall social district. This would expand the area of the social district near Fetch Brewing Company and he hopes it will benefit both businesses.
