Preliminary 2011/12 Township Budget Predicts $11 Million Shortfall

According to the preliminary 2011/12 Macomb Township budget, the township is expected to spend some $10 million more in expenditures than it will earn in revenue next year.

This difference will result in an estimated $11,716,346 budget shortfall for the township.

The township board of trustees reviewed the preliminary budget during its regular meeting on June 8. A public hearing was also held during the meeting to allow township residents the opportunity to ask questions and voice their opinions on the budget. No residents took part in the hearing.

According to the preliminary budget, the total expected revenue for the township is $39,413,158, with $51,129,504 in expenditures.

For the general fund, which represents $8,741,893 of the township's revenue and $11,088,784 of its expenditures, property taxes and fees will account for $1,811,400 in revenue, while state-shared revenues and grants will draw $3.3 million, and license and permit fees almost $2 million.

However, the general fund will also cover some $5 million in general government costs, almost $2 million in employee benefits and insurance, and more than $1 million in public safety and public works. These expenditures will total more than $10 million.

Budget Breakdown

Millage Rates

In addition to reviewing the preliminary budget, the board also voted to maintain the 2010 millage rates for 2011.

The rates are as follows:

• General Operating Mil 0.6757
• Fire Operating SAD 1.0588
• Fire Pension Mil 0.0747
• Police Mil 1.0601
• Parks/Rec Mil 0.8232
• Total: 3.6925

This should result in more than $10 million in revenue for the township.