Westland Becomes County's First City with 3-Yr Balanced Budget

Westland, MI - In April, Mayor William R. Wild presented the Westland City Council with the first-ever three year balanced budget in the city's history. At Monday's session, the Council adopted a $58.2 million balanced budget for fiscal year 2014-15,  with a projected a $5 million unrestricted fund balance by June 30, 2015.

The budget reflects a modest increase in State Constitutional revenue sharing. The city also continues to receive incentive funding from the state of Michigan by meeting state standards for accountability and transparency, consolidation of services, and addressing previously unfunded liabilities.

The Mayor, City Clerk, Department Directors, AFSCME Local 1602 employees and non-union Court employees continue to be part of the balanced budget solution, with contributions toward their healthcare and -- as with newer hire police and firefighters -- to their pensions.

Staff changes include the continuation of a shared services arrangement with the City of Wayne with a contracted DPS Director and Fire Chief, as well as coordinated dispatch services with Wayne, Inkster and Garden City.  Other service improvements include hiring a Parks and Recreation Director, implementing a park ranger program and enhancing security at the 18th District Court with a part-time security officer. 

To further improve services, part-time ordinance officers will be cross trained to handle animal control duties in addition to routine ordinance enforcement.  The City will also recall from layoff two DPS employees who will perform field maintenance, roads and water/sewer services. 

Capital investments include a new fire rescue unit, 20 new police vehicles and $50,000 for energy upgrades in City buildings.

"Since 2009, I've worked with the City Council, city staff, our unions and neighboring communities to tackle head on a projected $50 million deficit," said Mayor Wild.  "Today, our hard work is paying off, with a balanced budget that provides our residents with quality services at a cost we can afford."

"We have right-sized staff, sought cost-sharing from our employees and delayed capital purchases while continuing to invest in critical City services. These actions helped the City maintain a stable bond rating, win  continued investment by the private sector and grow our fund balance to insulate Westland from periodic economic downturns. City Council deserves credit for never losing sight of our fiduciary responsibilities and that service to the residents and business owners is our highest priority."