Ishpeming City Budget Hearing

The city of Ishpeming needs to approve its budget for the 2013 fiscal year by the end of November.

And the City Council took a step toward that goal this morning.

It held a public hearing on the budget and looked it over as well.

The total projected spending comes out to $16.6 million.

The 2013 fiscal year should have an improved financial picture after a tough 2012.

However, the city’s water fund, sewer fund and general fund will likely need help for 2014.

City Manager Jered Ottenwess says they’ll likely need tax or fee increases combined with some form of spending cuts to retain a positive cash flow.

He says many Michigan municipalities are facing similar situations of increasing costs and stagnant or declining revenue.

The City Council will likely hold another public hearing on its 2013 budget during its next regular meeting on Wednesday, November 7th.