News

WYOMING, Michigan, May 17, 2016 – The Wyoming City Council approved the 2017 fiscal year budget yesterday, which continues the City’s commitment to sustainable financial practices that provide for today’s needs while investing responsibly for the future.  

The resolution to adopt the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, passed unanimously on May 16, as did resolutions to approve the Capital Improvement Plan as well as 2016-2017 budgets for the Wyoming Downtown Development Authority, and the Grand Valley Regional Biosolids Authority.

The City’s 2017 budget is $105.4 million – a 4.7 percent increase over the 2016 adopted budget. The budget estimates a property tax increase of 1.97 percent, even while assessed values increased 5.6 percent in 2016. Property tax revenue remains 14.3 percent less than in 2009. “Compared to similar cities we maintain a very low cost per capita for the services we provide,” City Manager Curtis Holt said. “The leaning of the organization hasn’t stopped service delivery, though. We’re committed to investing in technology and training to continue to provide better service and greater value while ensuring the safety of residents and city employees. This year’s budget reflects our work to maximize every tax dollar we receive.”  

No increases in local millage rates or water and sewer rates are included in the 2017 budget. A number of factors have positively impacted the 2017 budget, including:  

• The State of Michigan’s 17 percent increase in road funding, which will allow the City to enhance preventative maintenance activities on Wyoming’s roadways including crack sealing and resurfacing for better long-term stability.
• The relocation of Wyoming’s public safety dispatch operations from Grand Rapids to Kent County, which translates to savings in the General Fund  
• The part-time firefighter program introduced in 2016, which continues to provide significant overtime cost savings, while improving response times and fire fighter coverage throughout the City  
• The refinancing of two water bonds and the anticipated payoff of one water bond, which results in overall savings on interest payments  

Budget highlights include:  

• Continued investments in public safety fire services including replacement of an aerial truck and a pumper truck as well as work toward accreditation for the City’s fire services  
• Parks capital outlays including tree planting throughout various parks, replacement of the softball field backstop in Palmer Park and the softball fencing at Kelloggsville Park, replacement of tennis court fencing at Lemery Park, lodge improvements at Pinery Park and facilities improvements at the Wyoming Senior Center  
• Funding of capital improvement plan projects including reconstruction and widening of 56th Street from Ivanrest Avenue to Byron Center Avenue scheduled for the summer of 2017
• New meeting rooms, carpet, furniture and technology upgrades at the Kent District Library Wyoming branch   

Mayor Jack Poll cited the City’s tradition of maintaining its fiscal stability and commended Holt for his work and commitment to balancing the budget. “Our city runs extremely efficiently thanks to the good work done by the city manager and our city employees,” Poll said. “They serve our community admirably while working to maintain a healthy and sustainable financial position.”  
 
For further information, call the City of Wyoming at 530-7272 or visit the City website at www.wyomingmi.gov. Follow the City on Twitter @WyomingCityHall and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CityofWyoming.

Contact: City Manager's Office
Phone: (616) 530-7226
Email: info@wyomingmi.gov