Ferndale · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ferndale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Backfill of Retirement and HR Specialist Position
The city's Retirement and HR Specialist leaves November 13, and HR asked the council to approve filling the seat right away. Roughly two-thirds of the position's cost is covered by the Ferndale Employees' Retirement system, so the hit to the general budget is limited.
Pension systems consolidation
Voters will decide in August whether the city can run its police and fire retirement system by ordinance instead of charter. Staff say combining it with the well-funded employee retirement system could cut the city's annual pension contribution by 60-70% — roughly $800K–$1M a year — without touching anyone's benefits.
Audit support services contract expansion
The city is spending up to $240,000 with Watson & Yates for audit help while transitioning to a new finance director — a $148,880 increase, but expected to be absorbed in the department budget.
Continued lawn and snow services for seniors and disabled residents
The city got another $43,000 for its senior and disabled resident chore/home repair grant program, enabling a fourth round of $5,000 grants.
Revised FY27 tax rate reflects Headlee rollback
The city-issued millage rate sits at 20.58053 mills, and staff confirmed the city kept its promise that the voter-approved override would be offset by cuts — the city share of the rate has stayed neutral since FY25. Ferndale's rate is among the lowest in the region, second only to Royal Oak.
IT cost savings — Macro Connect
The city renewed its IT services contract with incumbent Macro Connect for three years at $478,524 in year one. Councilmembers questioned the lack of an independent cybersecurity audit and worried about vendor lock-in before approving it.
State Revenue Sharing Trust Fund Resolution
The council backed state legislation to create a dedicated revenue sharing trust fund, which could mean more stable funding for services like police, parks, and road maintenance.
FYE 2027-29 Triennial Budget
The city's three-year budget cleared its first reading with no public comment and will come back for final adoption on April 27. This document shapes what Ferndale spends on services, streets, parks, and public safety for years ahead.
Capital Improvement Plan 2027-2032
Council adopted the six-year capital roadmap identifying nearly $99 million in desired projects — roads, water mains, parks, and City Hall/police facility work — though funding is not secured. About $28 million is tied to lead service line replacement.
Adoption of BZA bylaws for state certification
The board had never had bylaws, and the state requires them for Ferndale to keep its Redevelopment Ready Communities certification — a designation that helps the city qualify for economic development support.
Boards and commissions consolidation
Voters will decide in August whether to delete the obsolete Civil Service Board from the city charter. The board has to meet monthly even with nothing on its agenda, and HR and union contracts now handle everything it once did.
RX Kids program participation
Councilmember Johnson wants Ferndale to join RxKids, a program giving expectant families $1,500 prenatal and $500 monthly after birth. The city's share would be about $92,000 a year for three years, matched 95% by the state — but one resident pushed back, saying the city can't afford new spending after recent cuts. No vote was taken.
Mayor Pro Tem selection and council dynamics
A live disagreement surfaced over who should be Mayor Pro Tem: the mayor first backed Donnie Johnson, but Kelley and Sabatini argued Laura Mikulski's communication and collaboration skills made her the better bridge for a divided council. Mikulski won unanimously, with the mayor joining to show unity.