Mount Clemens approves 2018–19 budget and six‑year capital plan; millage set at 22.33 mills

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted May 21 to adopt the 2018–19 fiscal year budget and set property tax millage rates, approving a total citywide millage of 22.33 mills and adopting a six‑year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

City staff said a public hearing on the budget was held May 7 and thanked finance staff for producing a balanced budget for the coming year. The commission approved the budget by roll call; the vote included five recorded yes votes and one no.

Commissioners discussed the CIP at length before its approval. Supporters called the CIP a necessary planning tool to consolidate projected infrastructure and equipment needs; critics said the document should be better tied to the city’s master plan and strategic goals before committing funds. "It is a working document," one commissioner said, but other members urged more follow‑up to align short‑ and long‑term priorities.

The CIP document was presented as a planning framework required for Redevelopment Ready Communities recognition. Commissioners noted that approval does not guarantee immediate funding for listed projects and that many items will depend on future budget decisions and grant opportunities.

In separate comments about the budget process, one commissioner — drawing on experience as a finance professional — said the best budgets are governed by an "overriding plan" with clear short‑ and long‑term goals, and called for additional work sessions to integrate the master plan and strategic plan with financial decisions.

The commission closed discussion by voting to adopt the CIP by roll call. Commissioners who opposed the CIP vote said they wanted stronger ties between the CIP items and the city's stated strategic priorities before implementation.

The commission will revisit priorities and the CIP during future work sessions; no additional funding commitments beyond the adopted budget were finalized at the meeting.