Midland City Council Meeting Summary - May 18, 2026

The Midland City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in council chambers. All five council members were present. The agenda included a proclamation for National Public Works Week, a public hearing on the Downtown Economic Revitalization Special Assessment District (SARA), adoption of the FY 2026–2027 city budget, and new business items. All votes were 4-0.

Consent Calendar

• Approved routine items collectively without discussion (4-0).

Proclamation: National Public Works Week

• Council adopted a resolution (4-0) proclaiming May 17–23, 2026 as National Public Works Week in Midland, marking the 66th annual observance sponsored by the American Public Works Association.
• Melissa Farley (Department of Public Works) presented the proclamation and outlined celebration activities: an open house at the Municipal Service Center on May 19, social media posts, employee awards, and a public naming contest for six new refuse trucks that received over 300 name suggestions. Winners will be announced May 21.
• DPW employees Jordan Penny, Nick Strayer, Scott Friend, and Alex Lopez were introduced and expressed gratitude for the recognition.

Public Hearing: 2026 Downtown Economic Revitalization Public Improvement Special Assessment District (SARA)

• City Assessor Kayla presented the methodology for the special assessment, which uses a two-zone structure (Main Street and adjacent areas) and factors based on property use (hotels, restaurants, retail, financial institutions, services). The calculation multiplies front footage by a zone/use factor to determine an effective front foot value, then applies a rate (this year $38.76 per effective front foot) to assess each of 68 parcels. The total assessment is $90,000 for two years (2026 and 2027), funding the Midland Downtown Business Association’s staff, events, and shopping/dining campaigns.
• One objection was received from Treasures on Town’s End (TAD Poll Group). The council noted that removing a single parcel would require restarting the entire assessment process. No public comments were offered during the hearing.
• The council approved the special assessment role as submitted (4-0).

Discussion: Adoption of FY 2026–2027 City Budget

• Director of Fiscal Services Laura presented the adopted budget. Total citywide budget is $190.5 million. The general fund millage rate is increased by 0.5 mills to 15.6399 total (12.9698 for general operations, 1.000 for library, 1.6701 for public safety pension). This is the first millage increase in nine years. For the average home valued at $246,800, the city property tax is $161 per month.
• The budget includes no reduction in service levels, no additional contributions to police/fire or MERS pension plans beyond the actuarially required contribution, and no contribution from the general fund to stormwater management (due to available fund balance). It allocates $3.5 million from personal property tax (PPT) reimbursement to the building fund for Phase II of the Municipal Service Center (fleet facility).
• The budget gap of approximately $6.8 million (between revenues and expenditures) is expected to be closed by $6 million in PPT reimbursement and operational efficiencies during the year. The fund balance designations include $6.8 million committed for future year expenditures, up to $16.3 million for budget stabilization (25% fund balance), and an assigned amount for encumbrances.
• Council members thanked staff for extensive work and noted the necessity of the millage increase after years of stable rates.
• The resolution authorizing the budget, millage levy, DDA additional mills (2 mills), tax administration fee (1%), late payment fee (4%), fund balance designations, and encumbrance authority was adopted (4-0).

New Business

• Councilman Passick reported that a recent Detroit Disability Power audit found that Midland’s polling places passed with 100% accessibility compliance, contrasting with 90% of polling places failing statewide. He thanked staff for their efforts.
• Council assignments were announced for upcoming interviews for boards and commissions: Library board (Marty and Diane), Parks and Recreation (Dave and Tim), Planning Commission (Diane and Marty), Aviation Advisory Board (Mayor with Dave), and Dial-A-Ride (Mayor with Tim).
• The council will schedule performance evaluations for the city manager and city attorney at the next regular meeting in two weeks.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved 4-0.
• Proclamation for National Public Works Week approved 4-0.
• SARA special assessment role approved 4-0.
• FY 2026–2027 budget, millage rate, and associated financial policies adopted 4-0.
• The budget goes into effect July 1, 2026; staff will continue reviewing long-term budget stabilization.
• Board interviews and performance reviews will be conducted in the coming weeks.