Burton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Burton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Building department fee overhaul
The first fee schedule update in years was adopted. Some fees remain below neighboring communities' but now cover the city's costs, and the council committed to reviewing fees annually or biannually.
Southmoor Golf Course purchase collapse and lawsuit
The seller backed out of closing and the city is suing to recover about $300,000 in taxpayer money paid toward the purchase.
Expanded parks and rec programming and event budget tracking
The parks budget is up about $450,000 largely tied to the anticipated property acquisition, and council added $10,000 for community events and raised grounds maintenance funding to $50,000 ahead of the grant-funded expansion.
Employee health insurance cost-sharing change
The council scrapped the 80/20 insurance model in favor of a hard cap after rates were set to jump nearly 17%. Mayor Haskins said the change will save employees significantly at no added cost to the city.
Insurance cost spikes in proposed budget
The city's share of property and liability insurance jumped from $152,000 to $538,000, and health insurance is up about 18%. Other municipalities are seeing the same, and shopping around didn't produce better rates.
Replacement of election voting equipment
Burton's voting equipment is at the end of its 10-year life and the state requires replacement. New tabulators run about $15,000 each, and the city budgeted $180,000 for roughly 13 pieces of equipment — softened by consolidating from 12 precincts to 7.
Nathaniel Group lobbying agreement
The city is hiring a DC lobbying firm to chase state and federal grants, with the Southmoor redevelopment as the top target. Supporters say representation in Washington brings priority funding; the council president worries about paying consultants who deliver nothing.
Emergency DPW electrical failure and budget amendment
The city's main electrical transmission lines shorted out over the holidays, knocking out the DPW building's entire system. Consumers Energy and contractor Goyette worked around the clock, with replacement lines ordered from Indiana. The council approved $80,896.24 to pay the first bill, but more are coming and the cause — and whether the city can be reimbursed — is still undetermined.