Commissioners review budget schedule, community events and public resources

Commissioners used their comment period to review the city's budget timeline, thank staff for preparing the fiscal year 2017-18 budget and share community announcements.

Commissioner Campbell and others said department heads provided thorough information during recent budget work sessions and noted the commission will hold informal work sessions on the third Monday of each month beginning April 17 and a public hearing on the proposed budget at the commission meeting scheduled for May 1. Multiple commissioners thanked Linda and her staff for making the budget process transparent and easy to follow.

Commissioners also reported on recent and upcoming community events: a visit by a group from the Detroit Historical Society that toured two local churches (Grace Episcopal and First United Methodist), an Optimus Club oratorical contest at Mount Clemens High School, a Turning Point film festival on April 27 at the Emerald Theatre to highlight female filmmakers, and a city drug takeback event on April 29 at the old Wilson School (58 South Wilson) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The commission also noted Macomb County's Smart911 service and free tax help for veterans and low-income residents (income-thresholds given in the announcements).