Summary

City Commission Workshop Reviews Proposed FY2027 Budget

Battle CreekMay 7, 20263 min read

At a glance

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City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin and Revenue Services Director Aaron Kuhn presented the proposed FY2027 budget, including revenue estimates, fund balances, millage adjustments, staffing additions, and capital funding assumptions. Staff reported a projected FY25-26 General Fund addition to fund balance of $2,449,114 and an estimated unassigned balance of $13,690,824 (21.06% of FY27 revenue). The proposal includes a 3% COLA and step increases for non-represented employees, planned hires (Fire administrative assistant, Police social worker, three Verona Wellfield Water Plant Operators), DDA support for Quiet Zone debt service and downtown maintenance, and scheduled public hearings on May 19 and a resolution on June 2.

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City Commission Workshop

Topics discussed

TransportationBudget & TaxPublic SafetyUtilities

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Key decisions

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Presented proposed FY2027 budget with FY25-26 estimated General Fund addition of $2,449,114 and projected unassigned balance of $13,690,824 (21.06% of estimated FY27 revenue).
Proposed personnel changes included a 3% COLA and step increases for non-represented employees and inclusion of raises from settled collective bargaining agreements.
Proposed new positions: Fire Department administrative assistant, Police Department social worker, and three Water Plant Operators for the Verona Wellfield.
Proposed support from the DDA for Quiet Zone debt service and contributions toward Central Business District street maintenance and costs for two downtown police officers.
Presented millage changes: a 1.126 mill increase to the Operating budget offset by a 1.126 decrease in Street/Drainage Improvements and a 0.296 mill decrease to the P & F millage (noted as resulting in about $30 annual savings for a $100,000 tax-value household).
Staff to present a year-end budget amendment in June and bring proposed changes to the Fee, Bond & Insurance Schedule before the Commission in June.
Scheduled public hearing on the proposed budget for May 19, 2026, and consideration of the budget resolution on June 2, 2026.

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Meeting information

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City Commission Workshop: FY27 Budget

May 7, 2026, 6:00 PMCity Hall Chambers, 10 North Division Street, Battle Creek Michigan 49014completed

Agenda

A. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
B. ROLL CALL
C. PUBLIC COMMENT - LIMITED TO 3 (THREE) MINUTES PER INDIVIDUAL
D. PRESENTATION
1. Presentation of Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2027
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Decision: PRESENTATION
E. COMMISSION COMMENTS
F. ADJOURNMENT