Farmington Budget Adjustments Free $100K

The reviewed a round of adjustments to the proposed 2011-12 city budget Monday that free up about $100,000.

At a special meeting Monday night, City Manager Vincent Pastue laid out a laundry list of changes to the general fund and other funds that give the administration an opportunity to upgrade some sorely outdated equipment inside and outside city offices.

"We've finished off better than I hoped to," Pastue said.

Some of the budgetary changes reflect projects from last year that were carried over and finished this year, such as new 911 and telephone systems, that no longer affect the city's bottom line. There were also additions, such as video equipment purchased in partnership with Farmington Hills, that went into the document.

Pastue also said the city will refurbish, rather than replace, a Vactor truck for the water department. The truck, which is used to clean stormwater catch basins, pump out lift stations and pump the water from water main break sites, will get about $100,000 worth of renovation to save the city from replacement costs of $250,000 to $300,000.

The Vactor is expected to have a 15-year life span; careful maintenance up to this point and an overhaul of its hydraulic system is expected to give it another 10 to 15 years.

"It's a testament to how well-maintained it is," Pastue said. "It's very actively used."

The truck, purchased in 1995, is something that can't really be shared with a neighboring community, Pastue said.

"When you have to have it, you have to have it. If we were to share this truck with Farmington Hills, we'd both have the need to use it at the same time," he said.

The council also approved a plan to reduce the hours of a part-time employee but have her take up some of the non-core duties of the clerk and the treasurer.

Councilwoman JoAnne McShane said the budget was cut as closely as it could be, but not too much.

"We cut as much as we could and remain prudent," she said. "We don't know what next year will bring. We may be doing our budgets year to year from now on."

Mayor Tom Buck called the budget a responsible, multiyear document that helps officials plan by forcing them to ask the right questions. He said none of it would be possible without the sacrifices made by city employees.

There will be one more meeting to discuss the city budget, on May 16, before the June 6 formal public hearing on the budget and the city's overall millage rate.