Burton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Burton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2028-2030 CDBG funds
The council set a November 16 public hearing on the call for projects for 2028-2030 Community Development Block Grant funds.
City Council Travel Policy
Burton has never had a formal travel policy for council members, who attend national conferences on taxpayer dollars. The draft covers mileage, parking, meals, lodging, and reimbursement timing — with the biggest fight over how quickly members get paid back for out-of-pocket expenses.
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.
Veterans Honor Run
The November 14 race is officially a City of Burton Parks and Rec event (created by commission vote in 2012), and the chair wants that clear for marketing. Volunteers and sponsors are still needed.
$565,000 Local Street Fund amendment and exhausted 50/50 match money
The council put $565,000 more into road repavement, but Mayor Haskins warned the 50/50 sidewalk/road matching fund is now empty — future matches will need new money.
Closed-session confidentiality
Council Member Heffner warned colleagues after details of a closed-session discussion appeared on Facebook, reminding the body that what's said in closed session must stay there.
New gas tax distribution and marijuana revenue
The city received $421,000 under the state's new gas tax formula, but the mayor is still clarifying whether it folds in marijuana revenue that previously brought the city close to $600,000 for local roads.
Back to the Bricks banner cost sharing
This year's cruise went smoothly — no major fights, manageable trash, and new bike and foot police patrols. The board agreed to split the $600 banner cost, paying $300.
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.
250th Anniversary Banner Poles
Councilmen Heffner and Johns pitched a June 14 Flag Day celebration with an ice cream social, flag etiquette and kids' activities, funded by a state America 250 grant under $5,000. It goes back on the next agenda.
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.
Rubbish fuel surcharge costs passed to residents
Heffner said Emterra misses streets and entire neighborhoods every week and asked the city attorney what constitutes breach of contract. The amendment covers a fuel surcharge in the hauler's contract.
Possible BS&A Cloud software mandate
Council Member Ellenburg warned the city could be forced to move to BS&A Cloud within about five years, potentially costing $250,000 to $750,000. The council will wait for a sunset date from the vendor before earmarking money.
New city website launch
IT Director Ryan Bertram reported the new city website is in final content migration checks, with department head training scheduled before launch. Resident notification features will be built into the new site.
911 Consortium technology upgrade cost
Genesee County 911 is exploring AI to sort true emergencies from duplicate or minor calls — a fix for the flood of calls when one wreck generates dozens of dials.
Cancellation of ERC contract
The council voted 6-0 to cancel the city's contract with ERC and told the administration to take whatever steps are needed. No details were discussed publicly about what ERC does or what the financial impact might be.
Motor pool fleet and rising insurance costs
The mayor and residents praised road crews but warned aging trucks keep breaking down, delaying plowing. New equipment is on order but slow to arrive.