City of Midland, MI | City Council Meeting | April 28, 2025

·1 hr 4 min·5 clips

Midland's police and fire pension is only 73.9% funded, barely above the state's enforcement threshold.

The episode is a recording of the Midland City Council meeting on April 28, 2025, focusing on fiscal planning and municipal operations. Mayor Donker presides over the council, which includes members Soler, Pasich, Brown-Wilhelm, and Waspinski. The meeting begins with routine procedures, including the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of a consent agenda. Laura Stilwell, a staff member, presents the 2025-2026 budget, outlining goals such as maintaining services and a millage rate of 15.414 mills. She details directives from a January workshop, including funding for pension liabilities, stormwater management, and building renovations. Stilwell explains that the police and fire pension is 73.9% funded, while the general pension is at 60.2%, barely meeting state requirements. The budget includes a $1 million allocation for stormwater infrastructure and a $2 million transfer to the building fund. Revenue sources are discussed, with 38% from other governments and 20% from taxes. Expenditure increases are noted, particularly in public safety and IT costs. After council questions, a public hearing is opened. Matt Scheiber, a resident, shares personal experiences with the fire department's EMS response, urging support for public safety. John Elson comments on the Army Corps of Engineers' involvement in local projects. The meeting then addresses proposed fee increases. Chris Selle presents recommendations for water and water reclamation rates, citing inflation and $36 million in water main projects over six years. He proposes a 25% increase for water rates, which would raise the average bill by $96 annually. Council members question the rationale, fund balances, and long-term projections, with Selle estimating 12-15% increases next year. A resident, John Elson, raises concerns about water line conditions based on frequent breaks on his street. The council approves first readings for water rate ordinances. Later, Mr. Kanter discusses fee adjustments for building, engineering, fire, and planning departments, aiming for 75% cost recovery and alignment with inflation since 2022. Karen Murphy presents modest increases in landfill disposal fees, part of a multi-year plan to cover operational costs. The meeting concludes with the adoption of these fee ordinances and adjournment. The format is a formal council meeting with staff presentations, council deliberations, and public comment periods.

As heard by us

Midland's council hears public praise and moves landfill fee changes forward.

Midland's city council meeting begins with the Pledge of Allegiance and then settles into routine city business. Public comment brings a note of practical appreciation, with praise for Midland Fire Department EMS after family medical emergencies and for the Army Corps of…

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For an April 28, 2025 Midland City Council meeting that opens with public praise and ends in a 4-0 fee vote.

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