ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Ishpeming City Council held a public hearing tonight on the proposed 2027 city budget, which shows signs of financial improvement. But the city’s ability to maintain that progress was heavily dependent on the outcome of the recent library millage vote, which passed by a large margin.
“The finance director and I gave presentations to the community and to the council about the impact of the library on the general fund. And now with the library millage passing, we won’t be in a deficit in the general fund for the first time in years. So that’s very good,” said Ishpeming City Manager, Randy Scholz.
The approval of the library millage will provide some financial relief for the city. The city had faced back-to-back general fund deficits, including a projected $90,000 shortfall. This year, with the millage approved, library operations can move out of the general fund, freeing up money for other city services.
“I mean, I know what’s been pretty tough around here the last few years or even longer. The general fund’s been going down for the last several years. So this really helps build up the general fund. As far as not going into negative every single year,” said Scholz.
The proposed budget also includes road improvements, new snow removal equipment, a police vehicle, and millions of dollars in sewer main replacements.
We are not making money hand over fist, or anything like that, but we are able to continue to have our operations at the same level as we did before,” said Scholz.
City officials say controlling costs and finding new revenue sources will remain important to Ishpeming’s long-term financial stability.
