Flint City Council adopts FY2027 budget after hours of debate over fee increases

Philip Moore, the city’s chief financial officer, presented the Flint City budget for fiscal year 2027 and forecast a general fund balance “around $38 million,” saying the result makes the city “the healthiest that the city of Flint has been in probably a couple decades.” The council heard line-by-line fund projections — including major-street and local-street funds, neighborhood policing, parks, street lighting and water and sewer funds — and a proposed package of millage rates.

The public hearing drew multiple residents who urged the council to prioritize street repairs, trash collection and public safety. Christina Porter told the council she’d received reports that child-welfare placements were sending single mothers with toddlers to a local hotel and said “we have to do better than this” (Christina Porter). Rich Jones and others pressed for a stronger anti-gang response and a 30-day plan to clear curbside trash.

Council debate focused heavily on the master fee schedule (Resolution 260180). Several council members repeatedly asked for a revenue-impact analysis before adopting widespread fee increases, pressing Mr. Moore on whether permit, inspection and background-check fee hikes were supported by cost studies. Philip Moore said many line items were proposed by department heads and acknowledged that “I don’t believe that number [net revenue from the fee increases] was calculated.” Members raised concerns that increases had been set without a consolidated projection of additional revenue or demonstrated cost recovery.

Despite repeated requests for additional analysis, council approved the master fee schedule by roll call (Resolution 260180), 5–4. Separately, council amended and unanimously approved a change to the street-lighting assessment, setting the assessment at $48.18 after a motion to alter the amount passed 9–0 (Resolutions 260181 / 260181.1). The municipal solid-waste user fee was increased by $8 to $226.56 for FY2027; that motion passed 7–2 (Resolution 260182).

Council members said they will request more detailed justifications and projected revenue numbers from administration before future budget cycles. Moore suggested the city would do deeper fee schedule analyses in December or as part of next year’s budget process. The council then approved the city’s operating millage and, after sequential votes, adopted the FY2027 budget (Resolution 260185) by roll call, 5–4. The meeting adjourned shortly after the vote.