Goodrich – The village finance committee will look at a reduced-tax budget this week.
The oversight committee, comprised of elected officials and citizens-at-large, will hold its first meeting 7 p.m. May 17 in the second-floor community room, above the Goodrich library at 10237 Hegel Road in downtown Goodrich.
New village council members Rod Pierson and Pete Morey have been named to the committee, joining previously named committee members Angie Adamec, Norm Bass, and Carol Christensen in studying last year’s village budget.
The committee will also study the proposed upcoming budget, which goes before the village council for approval next month.
The proposed budget is based on a 30-percent reduction in village taxes, says Jakki Sidge, Village of Goodrich administrator.
This year’s budget won’t include large expenditures like the drain project, or engineering fees for the municipal complex, which should help shave expenses.
While the previous two elected councils focused on safety and aesthetic improvements to the village, the proposed budget is based on the tax-cutting focus of the new council, said Sidge, who hopes residents will volunteer to continue village improvement.
‘In the long run, we’ll still be doing park projects…and safety projects, but we’ll be saving smaller amounts, and maybe get more community help.?
Some residents, like Sandra Jenkins, seem to be on board with volunteering.
Jenkins spoke out at the May 9 village council meeting regarding long-time villagers accepting newcomers, and forming a committee to help with painting and repairs needed by village residents.
‘We need to take pride in what we have and take care of it,? Jenkins said.
Residents wishing to volunteer for improvement projects should contact the Village of Goodrich office at (810) 636-2570.