Taylor City Council Budget Review Meeting for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 - April 11, 2023

This was a work session of the Taylor City Council and department heads to review the proposed 2023/2024 city budget. The meeting covered each department's projected revenues, expenditures, staffing changes, and capital needs. No final votes were taken; the budget is scheduled for adoption at a future council meeting.

Call Center

• Manager Brenda reported a current staffing of nine full-time employees with one vacancy. The proposed budget reduces the FTE from 10 to 9 by moving one position to the Planning Department.
• Projected expenditures: FY23 $543,000; FY24 $542,000, mainly wages and benefits.
• Councilman Johnson asked about training for new hires and the department's handling of building permits.

Planning Department

• FY23 projected expenditures $231,000; FY24 $303,706 (roughly $72,000 increase). The increase is primarily for the additional full-time position transferred from the Call Center.
• Laura (Planning Director) noted that zoning meeting costs have risen. A temporary position was not funded; instead, a permanent FTE will be added.
• Council discussed building permits in Island Lakes and a FEMA decision allowing construction to continue while the CLOMAR study is completed.

Golf Course (Enterprise Fund)

• Al Grand (Golf Director) presented a positive financial outlook. No general fund transfer is needed; the course is adding $325,000 to reserves in FY23 and $445,000 in FY24.
• Repairs and maintenance ($59,000 budgeted) plus capital outlay for HVAC and other items were discussed. Councilman Johnson noted the need for ongoing upkeep despite reserve growth.
• Employee retention is strong; the remote-controlled mower has improved course conditions.

Economic Development

• The director position is vacant; interviews are underway. The new hire will focus solely on economic development, not golf or sports.
• Budget: FY23 $203,000; FY24 $238,000 (all wages/benefits). The increase reflects filling the vacancy.
• Mayor Woolley commented on positive interest from businesses and the effectiveness of Aerotropolis outreach.

Taylor Sports Plex (TSX)

• Darren Grabowski and Tom Collins reported a net positive: FY23 $64,386; FY24 $96,000 (within the general fund).
• Revenues have improved due to rate increases, hockey tournaments (16-18 per season), and expanded offerings (volleyball, roller hockey, etc.).
• Skate rental and room rentals are up. Council praised the facility's condition and reputation.

Library

• Director Matt stated the library board has approved its budget. The fund balance is 54% of revenue, with a projected use of $114,000 in FY24, leaving $662,000.
• Major capital outlay ($120,000) for a backup generator; also LED lighting conversion to save energy.
• Council recognized the library as a community shelter during power outages.

Mayor's Office

• Budget: FY23 $385,000; FY24 $395,000 (2% increase). Increases are contractual for TGM and 1917 union employees.
• Mayor explained that merit raises are considered during budget preparation but are paused during union negotiations. Any raises appear in employee change reports.
• Councilwoman Bower clarified that signing bonuses are permissible under the charter, but retroactive pay is not.

DPW, Water & Sewer, Roads

• Ralph (DPW Director) presented multiple departments within the general fund and enterprise funds.
• Ordinance: FY23 $91,491; FY24 $111,740. Fines revenue is $134,000, but enforcement is not considered a revenue source. Staff are split 90/10 between animal shelter and ordinance.
• DPW: FY23 $2.7 million (including $670,000 for vehicle purchases, e.g., dump trucks). FY24 $2.076 million. A stump grinder is on order.
• Street Lighting: FY23 $1.45 million; FY24 $1.595 million (10% increase). Revenue from special assessment offsets about $800,000.
• Major Road Fund: Using $1.1 million of fund balance in FY23 and $1.2 million in FY24. Local Road Fund is projected to add to reserves.
• Rubbish Fund: FY23 use of $168,000; FY24 use of $1.1 million (including animal shelter expansion). Residential waste contract increased.
• Water Fund: Reserves at $7 million; $2.5 million use in FY23. Lead service line removal is ongoing at 8% per year (exceeds the 5% mandate).
• Sewer Fund: Reserves at $4.058 million after FY24; using $2.7 million in FY23.
• Ecorse Creek Fund: Stable with $1.8 million reserve.

Key Outcomes

• The Call Center FTE goes from 10 to 9; a new full-time planner is added.
• Golf course is building reserves and expects to be self-sustaining.
• TSX continues to show a net positive, contributing to the general fund.
• Library will proceed with generator installation and LED upgrades.
• DPW will purchase new dump trucks, a stump grinder, and pursue in-house road striping.
• Lead service line removal is exceeding state requirements.
• The budget will be formally adopted at the next regular council meeting (April 17, 2023).