By Jim Bloch
The St. Clair City Council has adopted a budget of nearly $14 million for the fiscal year 2023-2024, which begins Oct. 1.
The council voted 7-0 at its regular meeting Sept. 5 to approve the budget, which calls for general fund revenues of $4,986,357 against expenditures of $4,427,405.
A millage rate of 16.3051 supports the cost of running the city, and includes an operating millage of 12.8641, a road millage of 2.4551, and an employee pension fund millage of 0.9859.
Key expenditures include $594,924 for major roads, more than $1.5 million for local streets, almost $600,000 for municipal streets, nearly $233,000 for recreation, $40,000 for the Downtown Development Authority, $121,500 for cable, $277,000 for Pine Shores Golf Course, $770,000 for pensions, $1.4 million for the sewer plant, $2.1 million for the water system, $787,000 for the harbor, $433,000 for garbage collection, $280,000 for the equipment pool and $4,500 for perpetual care.
Overall, the budget foresees revenues of $13,738,697 topping expenditures of $13,679,447.
No residents addressed the council during the public hearing on the budget.
“Earlier this evening and for the last three consecutive council meetings, we’ve talked about the budget and conducted three budget workshops,” said City Superintendent Quentin Bishop, as heard on the recording of the meeting posted on YouTube. “I believe we have arrived at a number that represents not only the city’s abilities but also planning for the future and the growth of the city… This is what’s considered a balanced budget. We actually have more revenue than expenditures. It’s a very tight budget. But I think it’s very doable. I think ultimately what we have to do is consider all of our funds, those in the general, those in the enterprise and those for long term planning, especially roads.”
Bishop said he would like to take another look at the road millage in the near future.
The budget resolution allows Bishop to make transfers between the city’s various funds with the approval of the city council.
It also allows the council to amend the budget as necessary.
“I know you put a lot of time into this, Mr. Bishop,” said Mayor Bill Cedar. “Good job.”
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
