Council advances community projects while weighing resident concerns and future investments
The Montague City Council approved the city’s 2026-27 budget Monday and authorized a temporary expansion of the downtown Social District for this summer’s Cruz’in White Lake event, decisions that reflected the city’s ongoing effort to balance community investment, economic activity, and quality of life concerns.
During the June 15 meeting, council members adopted the new budget, approved the city’s tax rate, authorized participation in a regional health insurance pool, approved a new police union contract, and voted to temporarily expand the Social District boundaries for the annual downtown car show.
Together, the actions outlined how city leaders are preparing for the coming year while continuing to invest in parks, infrastructure, public safety, and downtown events.
Budget Maintains Tax Rate While Funding Major Projects
The council approved the 2026-27 budget following a public hearing and presentation by City Manager Jeff Auch.
The budget maintains the city’s operating tax rate at 15.75 mills, the same rate as the current fiscal year.
Auch said the city remains in a strong financial position while continuing to fund significant projects throughout the community.
Among the projects included in the budget are improvements at Maple Grove Park, the first phase of upgrades at Cullen Field, reconstruction of a section of the bike trail near the marina, street improvements, utility infrastructure projects, and pedestrian crossing enhancements along the Business US 31 corridor.
The budget also includes continued investment in water and sewer infrastructure, lead service line replacement, and equipment upgrades.
During discussion, Councilman Paul Schultz questioned several proposed expenditures, including a landscaping berm planned near the city’s leaf collection site and future spending related to park improvements.
Although the budget was approved, Schultz cast the lone vote against the spending plan.
The tax rate resolution was later approved unanimously.
MCC Shares Information on August Millage Proposal
Earlier in the meeting, representatives from Muskegon Community College presented information on a millage restoration proposal that will appear on the Aug. 4 ballot.
Kristin Tank, the college’s chief marketing communications officer, said the proposal would restore 0.298 mills that have been reduced over time through the Headlee Amendment, returning the operating millage to the rate originally approved by voters in 1993.
If approved, the restoration would generate approximately $2.1 million annually for facility improvements, technology upgrades, campus safety enhancements, and infrastructure projects.
Tank also highlighted educational programs such as the Muskegon Area Promise and Michigan Reconnect, which provide tuition assistance opportunities for local residents.
Social District Expansion Approved for Cruz’in White Lake
During public comment, Doug Boardwell, representing the Cruz’in White Lake Committee, asked council members to temporarily extend the Social District boundaries to match the event footprint during the July 31 gathering.
Boardwell said the change would make enforcement easier during the popular downtown event, which attracts large crowds each year.
Later in the meeting, council members approved the annual review of the Social District Management and Maintenance Plan before voting to temporarily expand the Social District boundaries for the event.
The motion passed 6-1, with Mayor Tom Lohman casting the lone dissenting vote.
Council Approves Health Insurance Pool and Police Contract
Council members also unanimously approved participation in the West Michigan Health Insurance Pool, a move city officials said is intended to provide long term stability and potential cost savings for employees and retirees.
In addition, the council approved a new Police Officers Union contract.
Both measures received unanimous support from council members.
Residents Raise Concerns During Public Comment
Several residents used the public comment period to raise concerns about issues affecting their neighborhoods and the community.
Mark Trombly advocated for an exemption to the city’s ordinance prohibiting ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, and other unlicensed vehicles on city streets.
Residents Kristi Bortell and Lisa Reed spoke about noisy vehicle activity along Sheridan Street. Reed also commented on the use of plastic cups within the Social District.
Bill Tarr addressed several topics, including severe weather alerts, recent flooding issues affecting a local business, the Whitehall pedestrian crossing on Business US 31, and an upcoming election related meeting.
Looking Ahead
During his update, Auch reported progress on several ongoing projects, including the Shawl II pedestrian corridor agreement, changes to the Bowen Woods development, waterfront permitting work at Maple Grove Park, and efforts to eliminate illegal storm and sewer connections near Buttermilk Creek.
He also noted that demolition of the former car wash building at 8960 Water St. will move forward once Consumers Energy completes work to decommission power lines at the site.
While much of Monday’s meeting focused on budgets and approvals, the discussions also highlighted the challenges city leaders continue to navigate: investing in future improvements, supporting community events, and responding to resident concerns about everyday quality of life issues.
As those projects move forward over the coming year, many of the decisions made Monday will shape both the appearance and operation of the city for years to come.
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