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.
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.
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.