Reasons for the proposed increase vary, from longevity and cost of living salary increases, to fire department equipment purchases, to capital improvements at Veteran's Memorial Park. Another increase is in the area of funding requests to organizations and operations partially funded by the city. A new request this year is from the school district. I believe the purpose of the request is for assistance in installing a ball field sprinkling system at the middle and high school campus. You may or may not agree that some, many, or all of the above requests are valid city expenditures.
Many cities have their own summer recreation and public ice skating rinks.
Many cities have to support and maintain their own softball and baseball fields. Many cities have their own historical society or senior center. By combining funds and facilities with organizations like the township, school district, etc., more can be accomplished with fewer total dollars, and the costs spread out over more individuals. Our tough job will be to prioritize those requests and determine which we believe are most important to the city residents. On the revenue side, interest income is projected to decrease next year, but local government aid will increase.