Precia Garland

The City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget for all city funds and set the millage rate to support the budget. The budget includes revenues and expenditures for various funds, including the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Capital Project Funds, Enterprise Funds, Internal Service Fund, Permanent Fund, Component Units, and a Joint Venture. It approves employee positions and millage rates for different purposes such as general operating, theater improvements, parks system improvements, public safety apparatus, solid waste disposal, environmental response operating, and public transportation. The City Manager is authorized to make budgetary transfers within appropriation centers. The resolution confirms the FY 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan.

The Master Plan for the City of Ionia focuses on sustainable and integrated development. Key areas of focus include preserving the unique character of Downtown Ionia, maintaining public streets and pedestrian infrastructure, and promoting a vibrant street life. The plan aims to create a safe and connected transportation system, encourage context-sensitive residential developments, and revitalize the Steele Street corridor. It also prioritizes economic development, industrial innovation, and thoughtful commercial development, with a specific focus on the Deerfield-Riverside subarea.

The 2024-2028 City of Ionia Community Parks & Recreation Plan focuses on improving the quality of life for residents through increased access to and management of parks and recreation options. Key goals include maintaining and improving existing parks and recreation facilities, developing an outdoor city performance venue, investing in the renovation of the Meijer Skate Park, promoting youth programming options, expanding adult programming options, and continuing adult and senior enrichment programs. The plan prioritizes accessibility, community engagement, and the use of grant funds to achieve these objectives.

The 2019-2024 Five-Year Community Parks and Recreation Plan focuses on improving and maintaining the Armory Community Center, increasing cost-free recreational activities, and expanding youth, adult, and senior recreational programming. It aims to expand access to nature trails, bike paths, and natural areas, establish an outdoor concert/activity space, and maintain existing neighborhood parks. The plan also prioritizes coordinating recreational facilities and programs with the Steele Street Corridor Plan and supporting these initiatives through various funding sources.

The Planning Commission meeting addressed several key items. A public hearing was scheduled for Ordinance No. 589, which proposes rezoning 165 parcels to align with newly created residential districts. Public hearings were also scheduled for two site plan reviews: an Enwork expansion at 510 Apple Tree Drive, focusing on landscaping, lighting, parking, and waste containers; and a Central Michigan Building Services (CMBS) expansion at 985 E. Main Street, addressing landscaping, parking, site drainage, and waste container screening. An update on the Master Plan was also provided.