Mount Clemens adopts 20-mill levy and 2015–16 budget after heated public comment

The Mount Clemens City Commission on June 1 adopted the fiscal year 2015–2016 budget and approved a 20-mill city property tax levy after hearing multiple public comments opposing the full increase.

Commissioners voted by roll call after the city manager outlined the proposed millage schedule and what the levy would fund, including a $46,000 software upgrade, a mid-level human resources position (about $60,000 including benefits), a Planner I and a jointly funded economic development manager (about $40,000 city share and $20,000 from the Downtown Development Authority), a DPS bucket truck (estimated $162,750), a citywide voice-over-IP phone system (about $70,000), a $50,000 sidewalk program, and a partial pension repayment to address a past shortfall.

The decision followed a lengthy public comment period in which residents warned a full 20-mill increase would heavily burden fixed-income households and criticized some line-item raises they said were included in early drafts. "You better not pass that," said Gloria Haller, a resident who urged commissioners to avoid a full 20-mill increase and questioned recent raises in the finance and accounting department. Tom Ford, another commenter, called the manager's presentation "misleading" and urged officials to consider alternatives and longer-term demographic trends.

Commissioners who voted for the levy framed the measure as necessary to restore the city's fund balance and avoid more severe interventions. "I'd rather pay taxes than to watch our city go into a hole," Commissioner Button said, arguing the city needed to rebuild reserves and invest in infrastructure. Commissioner Manser (spelled "Manser" in parts of the record) praised the jointly funded economic development manager as a tool to attract business and residents.

The vote was recorded on the floor with the following roll-call responses as shown in the record: Commissioner Mensah — yes; Commissioner Raker — yes; Commissioner Bunton — yes; Commissioner Campbell — no; Commissioner Dempsey — yes; Commissioner Hill — yes. The motion passed. Commissioner Blash had been excused earlier.

Why it matters: The commission majority said the levy provides funding for deferred maintenance and operational needs and helps the city address an accrued pension contribution shortage. Opponents and several public commenters said the increase will strain residents, and urged phased increases or additional transparency on personnel and capital spending.

Next steps: The budget and millage resolution takes effect for the 2015–2016 fiscal year. Commissioners also directed staff in discussion to proceed with the capital investments described by the city manager and to bring implementation items back to future meetings where required.