On the Ballot: Berkley to Ask Voters for Funding for Infrastructure, Community Center
(City of Berkley, orig. published June 21, 2018)
Berkley, MI – On Monday, the Berkley Council voted 7-0 to place to two funding proposals on the November ballot. The first proposal, for infrastructure improvements including roads, sewers, water mains, and related projects, is for two-mills and would raise about $1.14 million annually over the next 10 years. The second is a 20-year bond proposal for $15.37 million to construct a new community center.
A third funding proposal, to renovate City Hall, was also discussed during a series of town hall meetings held over the past few months. City Council agreed Monday to delay this request and explore the idea of a public/private partnership on the City Hall property. It presents an opportunity to enhance a gateway corner at 12 Mile and Coolidge, and potentially expand the use of publicly-owned property while attracting new businesses to Berkley.
“If we can find the right partnership,” said Mayor Pro Tem Steve Baker said, “it’s a win/win for everyone. If we can’t, we can always consider putting City Hall on a future ballot.”
Mayor Dan Terbrack added, “Our hope is that, by setting one proposal aside, we will still be able to implement sound plans that will ultimately improve the quality of life for everyone in Berkley for years to come.”
Berkley maintains over 50 linear miles of road, and roughly 70 percent need of some type of repair or maintenance. The infrastructure millage will provide sustainable funding for maintenance, repair and reconstruction of the city’s road network for the next 10 years.
The proposed community center would be a 38,000-square-foot facility with multi-purpose rooms, a gym, indoor track, and dedicated spaces for seniors and teenagers. If voters approve the bond request, the next step is to determine if the new facility will be built on the current community center site, or on the west side of Robina just south of the tennis courts.
If the two proposals are approved, the owner of a home with a taxable value of $75,000 would pay around $280 a year in additional taxes.
Learn more about City of Berkley at http://www.berkleymich.org/