City of Lansing with First Budget in Years Not to Call for Cuts

Lansing, for the first time in nearly a decade, is sitting in a pretty good spot--not having to trim even more money from the budget.

Mayor Virg Bernaro presented Monday his budget blueprint for the fiscal year that starts in July. The more than $118 million dollar proposal not only contains no cuts, but actually adds funding.

The Lansing State Journal is reporting that the budget is the first since the Mayor took office to not start with a deficit.  The funding plan calls for a more than 2% increase including the addition of at least two positions.  Money is also being allocated for investments, public safety and road repair.  Bernaro says the allotment for roads, though, is a fraction of what the city will need this year.  He's hoping the state will step up with additional money.

In releasing the blueprint, the report says the Democratic Mayor cautioned that adjustments need to be made down the line.  "It's a hold-the-line budget, but it's not a stay-the-course budget."

The City Council must now approve the plan.

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