The City of the Village of Clarkston council reviewed next year’s proposed budget, which brought citizens to the meeting to voice concerns of a high millage rate.
The council held a public hearing at their June 10 meeting regarding the 2004 proposed budget, which shows total funds available at $700,672 and a millage rate of 13.5148.
The hearing lasted for approximately one hour, and two citizens were in attendance to voice concerns.
Carol Eberhardt, a 22-year Clarkston resident and real estate agent, told council members she felt the city’s millage rate, at 13 mills, was having a negative effect on property sales. Resident Steve Wylie agreed the millage rate was too high, and said he hoped council members would consider lowering it.
In defense of the millage rate, City Attorney Thomas Ryan noted the largest portion of city taxes are for school and county taxes. Ryan, as well as council members, said factors like the state of the economy as well as the prestige of living in Clarkston, could account for slumping home sales.
In regards to the budget, Eberhardt did not have any suggestions on where the council could make cuts. Wylie thought outsourcing for lawn service of Depot Park could save the city money, and cutting portions of the police department budget which is the most expensive aspect of the city’s budget proposed at $228,450.
Councilman Dave Savage said, ‘We’re really watching costs. There’s not a lot of trimming we could do.?
Councilman Scott Meyland said, ‘We don’t just do what we did last year. We regularly look at the big scale things and will continue to do that.?
The 2004 proposed budget will be up for action at the next meeting, June 23.
‘The Clarkston City Council also adopted an amended budget for fiscal year 2002-03 at their June 10 meeting. Revenues were reported at $669,277 with a millage rate of 13.7150.