5/11/2026 Study Session Budget City of Lincoln Park

The City of Lincoln Park held a study session on May 11, 2026, to review the fiscal year 2027 budget. Key procurement-related discussions focused on the city's millage rate rollback under the Headley Amendment, which limits property tax revenue growth and has resulted in consecutive rollbacks over the past three years. The city presented a balanced budget of approximately $29.98 million, with slight reductions in capital expenditures, including building maintenance and park infrastructure investments. The council discussed the possibility of a Headley override to restore the millage rate to 20 mills, potentially generating an additional $2.4 million in revenue to stabilize services, invest in parks, police, fire services, and aging city buildings. The override resolution is planned for council consideration by the end of May to appear on the November ballot. Additionally, the council reviewed capital projects such as water heater replacements at the fire department, HVAC upgrades at the police department, vehicle lifts, and road construction funded by Act 51, including the addition of two full-time street employees. Discussions also covered sanitation fee adjustments, recycling program options including potential curbside elimination in favor of recycling centers, and the financial implications of these changes. The council scheduled further study sessions to explore recycling program modifications and the Headley override resolution. No contract awards or vendor selections were detailed in the session.