The Grand Rapids City Commission has approved its Fiscal Year 2027 annual budget, totaling $786 million. The new budget passed unanimously, earmarking $200 million for the general fund.
“We didn’t really reduce people’s taxes by having our property tax rate get reduced, but the millage went down.”
Mayor David LaGrand explains that despite a 6.4% increase in city spending over last year’s budget, property millage rates were reduced by 1.2%, with water and sewer rates remaining sub-inflationary.
“We’re progressively getting rid of our lead lines, so even with that incorporated, we’re still keeping our cost increases well below the rate of inflation for water and sewage, I think, is really impressive.”
The budget increases spending for public safety, snow removal on city sidewalks, and the Third Ward Equity Fund, including $200,000 for traffic/pedestrian safety improvements and $250,000 for youth violence prevention programming.
Third Ward Commissioner Marshall Kilgore: “This budget reflects our commitment to investing in people and neighborhoods, long-term community well-being.”
The budget takes affect July 1st.
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