Well it’s been a chilly fortnight in East Lansing signifying that winter has truly arrived. I’d like to first recognize the dedicated East Lansing employees who withstand the inclement weather to provide public safety and infrastructure maintenance services to our residents. It is greatly appreciated!

            I’d also like to note that I recently met with a dozen or so firefighters as part of my “Coffee with the Manager” meetings. During the meeting we discussed the governor’s “State of the State” message as it relates to community funding. I indicated that statutory revenue sharing funding levels should remain flat (ie no cuts) despite the state’s significant budget challenges.

            By way of explanation, revenue sharing is money that is returned to local governments from the state in exchange for the historic limitation on local taxing ability. The source of funding for revenue sharing is the sales tax and is divided into two categories: constitutional which is guaranteed and statutory which, as the name indicates, is determined by the governor and the legislature. East Lansing works closely with Representative Meadows and Senator Whitmer to preserve and increase statutory revenue sharing at it represents 20 % of the City’s General Fund budget. Quite literally, reduction in this funding means less first responders in our community and cuts to other valued services as well.

            In addition to the legislative update, our colleagues at Firestation #1 asked great questions about economic development projects and emergency planning. They also offered suggestions for operational efficiencies as well as safety enhancements to the City’s infrastructure. I thought the discussion was great, comments insightful, and look forward to more of the same. Stay tuned for the next “Coffee with the Manager.”