Fiscal Responsibility of City Funds

Public Safety

Parks & Infrastructure Investments

Water Quality

City Progress & Infrastructure Update

Financial Improvements

Bond Payments:

The last bond payment was made at the beginning of last year, further reducing long-term liabilities.

Legacy Pension Debt:

Funding level has improved significantly from 34% to 60%. This puts our pension well inline with state standards for pension strength. This means we will follow through on promises made to our retirees.

Water & Infrastructure

Storm Sewer Replacement:

At Mercer Beach, an old chimney-style pipe (pre- 1940s) was replaced. A separator was also installed to prevent heavy metals from entering the lake.

Community Facilities

Library Renovated:

Recently completed upgrades enhance access and usability.

Casey Ambrose Safety Campus:

s cleaned up and serves as the gateway from the Airline Trail and the expanded marketplace.

Fire & Emergency Services

Fire Insurance Rating:

Our department now holds a Class 3 rating on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being best), placing us in the top 5% of departments statewide. For context, only Grand Rapids holds a Class 1 rating. This means insurance rates here are lower than in communities with worse scores. City council funds our first responders so they have high quality equipment and ongoing training. Hats off to our first responders! We are behind you 100%

Emergency Response Times:

Average response time is under 4 minutes

New Fire Truck:

Purchased with cash at a reduced cost, adding no new debt to the city.

Parks & Public Works

Parks Upgraded:

City parks are in the best condition in years. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is now equipped with modern tools to maintain and improve them.

New Playground:

All city parks now feature brand new playground equipment, that had long outlived its lifespan.

Road Improvements:

Major roadwork completed, including: 2/3 of the Tri-A Neighborhood Decker, Pontiac Trail, Ladd Rd., Cemetery, Quiniff, and Spring Park