Ironwood resident offers budget-saving advice

IRONWOOD — Approval of the 2015-16 city budget on Monday was preceded by advice from a city resident at a public hearing as to how costs can be reduced.

John Rudberg, of 218 N. Lowell St., suggested the city “decommission” parts of neighborhoods to eliminate sewer and water costs.

He said in sparsely populated neighborhoods, residents could be relocated, basically ending the need for city services.

Rudberg said it might cost the city money upfront, but would save Ironwood money in long haul.

He noted the infrastructure of the city was designed for a population of 20,000, while Ironwood has only about one-fourth that many people now.

Rudberg was the only citizen to comment on the budget. He also criticized the city for collecting a 1 percent administrative budget fee that has been effect for many years.

City commissioners later approved property taxes of $1,777,000, compared to $1,675,000 a year ago, or less than a 1 percent increase.

The general fund budget was approved at $3,168,000, up $41,000 from a year ago.

The total of all expenditures in the city is $12,229,600.

City treasurer-finance director Paul Linn noted the amount of tax millages remain the same, although the Memorial Building millage has expired and been replaced by a special street millage.

The following tax mills will be collected:

—General fund: 19.2 mills.

—Library fund: .9658 mill.

—Police and fire pension fund: 6.5 mills.

—2015 street bond debt service: 2 mills.

—Civic center fund: 1 mill.

Also, 1.9414 mills are levied against the Downtown Commercial District, used for financing the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority.

The city’s fiscal year runs through June.

The budget passed 4-1, with commissioner Joe Cayer Jr. voting no.

In other business Monday, the city commission:

—Agreed to schedule a public hearing for July 13, at 5:25 p.m., to receive comments on blight at 329 Bundy St.

—Approved nearly $300,000 in water-sewer work in the phase 3 utility project through the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development.

—Agreed to seek bids for the “Urgent Need Grant” watermain replacement project, caused by the severe winter weather of 2013-14.

—Approved a $119,866 payment to Ross Peterson Construction for the Michigan Western Gateway Trail project and $7,980 for the second payment in the demolition of Kenny’s Studio at 227 E. Aurora St.