City budget

City Council hosts a public hearing on the 2017-2018 budget, 7 p.m., Monday, June 12. That’s not quite soon enough for resident Chet Pardee, who asked about spending exceeding budgeted amounts at the May 22 council meeting.
“Michigan law requires budget amendments prior to approval of an expenditure or payment for expenditures which exceed the current budget,” Pardee said.
Mayor Steven Percival said City Manager Jonathan Smith and Treasurer Greg Cote’ are new and working on their first budget.
“Quite honestly, we’ve been underwater – not making an excuse, but somewhat of an explanation,” Percival said. “Budget amendments do need to be made.”
The city Finance Committee is meeting twice a week to work out the amendments for a balanced budget by the end of June, as required by law, he added.

School programs OK’d

The Board of Education approved five curriculum proposals totaling $337,569.60, at their May 22 meeting.
The approved proposals were for Secondary Math Resources, Ed Tech Curriculum, Construction Technology II, updates to the World Language Curriculum, and a program for students ages 20-22 at Renaissance High School.
The proposals were first presented at the board’s May 8 meeting.

Open enrollment

Open enrollment programs including International Baccalaureate, Advanced Studies, CSMTech and Career Pathways will continue, after a vote of approval by the Board of Education, May 22.
The Stars and Stripes program will also be continued, and will now be open to fourth and fifth graders at Andersonville Elementary.

Furniture for schools

New furniture purchases for Andersonville and Bailey Lake elementaries were approved by the Board of Education. The total cost of the furniture is $46,506.52 and will be paid for with funds from the 2016 bond.
Also, the school board approved the 2017 tax rate at 18 mills for non-homestead properties and seven debt mills.