HOLLAND (WHTC) — Holland City officials spent part of the weekend hunkered down over the 2017 budget, projected to be just over $21 million dollars.
Over dinner at Boatwerks Friday city department heads presented overviews to city officials. On Saturday, city council members reconvened at New North in downtown Holland to talk priorities.
Mayor pro tem Mike Trethewey didn’t expect everyone to agree.Healthcare is expected to rise by 10 percent with overall funding droppring by 3.8 percent. City officials remain committed to reducing the cost of public safety but face negotiations for police and fire fighter union contracts in June.
The city’s lost more than 50 jobs over the last several years. Whether to replace any of those positions is up for debate. Some department heads have asked for additional personal to improve customer service levels.
City officials continued Saturday’s discussions over lunch at The Curragh.
Mayor Nancy DeBoer said future study sessions would be devoted to budget details. The budget will be finalized in April.
— Peg McNichol
