HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – Holland City Council unanimously approved the budget for fiscal 2018 last night.
The the current millage rate of nearly 13.8 mills can be maintained for a sixth straight year in keeping the proposed 61.7 million-dollar overall spending plan, which includes General Fund expenditures of 21.2 million, balanced with expected revenues. However, BPW rates for electric, water and sanitary sewer services would increase says City Manager Ryan Cotten.
Several key changes made this year by a combination of staff recommendations and the City Council study session discussions is to increase staffing levels and corresponding services as detailed.
The new positions are a replacement Fire Training and Safety position at mid-year due to workload and quality control, a Deputy Interim Finance Director for succession purposes at mid-year, a replacement Part-time Administrative Aide for Human Relations due to workload, a replacement Human Resources Assistant due to workload, a replacement Detective due to workload, and a replacement Assistant City Manager due to economic development and grants assistance needed.
The budget will include an increase of 2-3 cents in snowmelt assessments and an increase in water and wastewater utilities. Dave Koster of Holland’s Board of Public Works says this increase will add 54 cents and $1.50 to residential bills.
