Wayland City Manager Erik Wilson Monday night told the City Council that he expects the fiscal year 2026-27 budget to be approved by Monday night, May 18.
Wilson also said despite the city’s busy agenda ahead, he insists Wayland is in good fiscal shape for the year ahead.
New City Finance Director Leah Kuipers agreed with his assessment, declaring “I’ve never seen such a healthy financial system before.”
A lot of the busy part of the next budget is street milling and paving projects already under way and a proposed change in charges for sewer and water. Wilson said an ordinance amendment will enable the city to increase water services by 6 percent, but no increase for sewer, which he insists will save money for customers.
Milling work has commenced for Locust and Lorene streets and Frank and Naman Court have been added to the roster of projects, along with Willow Street.
As the deadline for final budget approaches, Wilson says there are no plans to increase the millage rate for taxpayers.
Meanwhile, the city has submitted an application for a grant to build a dog park adjacent to the Rabbit River Trail, so that project still awaits action.
In other business at the meeting, council:”
- Welcomed new full-time police officer Kenneth DeVries, who served in the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department, along with Police Chief Scott Matice. “Ken and I went to college together and I worked with at Allegan. We’re glad to have him.”
- Heard from Councilman Justin Osborn that North Main (Division) is like “a speedway going out of town.” Noting the speed limit is 25 mph, he said he interested primarily in enforcement.
- Learned about results from a housing study by Grand Valley State University, which confirms that indeed there is a need for affordable homes in Allegan County. Wilson said Wayland has the highest rate of renters at 32 percent.
- Received an inquiry from the City of Fremont, which suggests the two cities resurrect a Mayor Exchange Day later this summer. Mayor Jennifer Antel polled the council to see if there is interest and promised to continue negotiating with officials from Fremont. Mayor Exchange Day was a staple for municipalities in days gone by, but the program is rarely implemented these days.
