The Munising City Commission on June 4 adopted the city’s 2025-26 budget, approved a multi-year capital improvement plan and heard extensive public comment regarding marina slip allocation and city communications.
The agenda also covered project updates, bid awards and a proposal for summer workers.
The meeting opened with a public hearing on the proposed 2025-26 budget. Following adjustments made after a recent work session, City Manager Devin Olson walked commissioners through several compensation options for Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Board of Review members.
Five scenarios were outlined, ranging from monthly stipends to per-meeting compensation. A $10,000 technology line item was also added to supply city commissioners with basic computing devices to manage packets, emails and agendas.
Olson noted that the updated budget includes tentative agreements with the police and Department of Public Works unions, reflecting a 12% wage increase in year one — up from the 9% initially budgeted.
“We’d rather plan for it and then see where it falls at the end of the year versus not plan for it correctly,” Olson said.
He recommended approving the budget with the discussed amendments and updated projections. The resolution passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Commissioners then adopted two separate tax levies: a general operating millage rate of 17.0139 and a Headlee override rate of 2.6071, both slightly lower than the prior year.
Olson confirmed these figures are used to estimate city revenues and noted the reduction reflects the city’s ongoing efforts to limit tax burdens.
The annual fee schedule was also approved with minimal changes. Water and sewer rates will rise in line with the Consumer Price Index to keep pace with operating costs.
Public comment consumed a significant portion of the meeting as Jess Webster appealed the city’s decision to remove his family from its seasonal marina slip because of a missed contract deadline.
Webster said the renewal packet was mailed to the wrong address and was never received. He expressed frustration that no follow-up was attempted despite contact information on file.
After extensive debate about the city’s past practices and legal boundaries, the commission declined to deviate from its longstanding procedures.
A motion to restore the Websters’ slip failed in a 2-2 vote. Commissioners acknowledged the need for clearer, modernized protocols and indicated policy reforms are likely.
The city’s capital improvement plan for 2025-26 through 203031 was also approved.
Olson noted this version integrates sewer asset management data and updated street condition ratings. Major future investments include a wastewater treatment plant overhaul, utility replacements and street reconstruction projects, including the Washington Street corridor. Olson said the plan positions the city to pursue grant and bond funding as timelines solidify.
The consent agenda was approved with an update on the Anna River Bridge project.
Olson reported that construction is expected to begin shortly after the Fourth of July and continue through mid-September.
In new business, the council approved a $51,007 invoice from Penchura for completion of the Browns Addition playground.
Several engineering contracts were also approved:
• $6,000 to Coleman Engineering for campground water system drawings;
• $14,800 to Coleman for a Department of Public Works building feasibility study;
• $40,000 to Coleman for professional services related to Phase II of the Munising Municipal Boating Access Site upgrade.
Commissioners emphasized the importance of early and clear communication to seasonal boaters, suggesting signage at the site and outreach to social media groups well in advance of the expected fall 2026 construction timeline.
The commission also:
• Approved a $34,541.10 pay request from Cross General Contracting for bathroom renovations at Tourist Park;
• Renewed its annual license agreement with Alger Parks and Recreation for Concert in the Park events, running June 17 through Aug. 26;
• Accepted gravel bids and awarded the work to L&K Farms at $23 per cubic yard for shoulder restoration and regrading on St. Martin’s Hill and H-58;
• Reviewed a proposal from Marquette-Alger RESA for a student-based summer work program. Commissioners directed the city manager and attorney to draft a formal contract that addresses liability and oversight before proceeding;
• Increased the city’s seasonal part-time wage rate to $16.75 per hour, with annual raises of $0.75 for returning workers, capped at $19.75 after four years;
• Approved the first reading of zoning ordinance amendment 2025-02, which would permit multi-family housing in the commercial zoning district. A public hearing is set for July 2.
It was also noted that the commission held special meetings on May 27 to interview three candidates for the city manager position.
