JUNE 19, 2024 Vol. 43, No. 13
Aug. 6th Democratic Primary
6A
A LOOK BACK AT 97YEAROLD RON TEASLEY’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN LIFE, BASEBALL
A STRONG VOICE FOR YOU!
James
586-573-8058 586-277-1297
FOUTS State Representative ~ District 14
Paid for by CTE Jim Fouts - 28107 St. Louise Dr., Warren, MI 48092
0280-2425
VOTE
candgnews.com
Hazel Park’s budget reflects higher home values, development BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
See BUDGET on page 18A
Photo by Andy Kozlowski
An excavator idles at the end of the day June 6 amid torn-up turf where a bandshell is being constructed at Civic Center Park. In the background is the Jaycee shelter building featuring “The Power of Imagination” mural by Jennifer Ramirez. The mural was the first initiative by the Madison Heights Arts Board, and the bandshell is its latest.
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON AMPHITHEATER PROJECT AT CIVIC CENTER PARK BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — On a breezy evening June 6, families strolling up and down the hill at Civic Center Park may have wondered why a large plot of land had been torn up by an excavator and cordoned
off with orange fencing. Work has begun on the city’s amphitheater project — simply called the “bandshell” by many city officials. Poetically, the latest initiative by the Arts Board, created by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Bliss, is right next to its first: “The Power of Imagination” mural by loSee AMPHITHEATER on page 9A
2024 Subaru Outback
*Manufacturer Offer. No down payment required. Financing for well-qualified applicants only. Length of contract is limited. Subject to credit approval, vehicle insurance approval and vehicle availability model OUTBACK RDF, RDG, RDH, RDI, RDJ, RDL. From dealer stock by 6/30/2024
Woodward Ave. N. of 8 Mile • FERNDALE HodgesSubaru.com • 248.547.8800
0095-2425
HAZEL PARK — The Hazel Park City Council recently approved a budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year that features a slightly lower city tax rate yet higher revenues due to growing property values and increased development around town. The budget was unanimously approved May 14 and clocks in at $45 million, up from the current fiscal year’s amended total of $43 million. About $20.2 million is for the general fund. The new fiscal year begins July 1. “This year’s budget is balanced, and we are maintaining city services. We were able to use grant money to improve our parks and recreation facilities, and we are starting to focus on local road repairs,” said Ed Klobucher, the city manager. “Things are good now, but there are challenges on the horizon. The (American Rescue Plan Act) dollars from the federal government were not allocated fairly, and that placed cities like Hazel Park at a competitive disadvantage. Wage and medical inflation will continue to be problematic, but so far, we have been able to retain our talented workforce.” The city millage rate is set at 38.7975 mills. This is about 0.36 mill less than the current year. Property owners pay $1 for every $1,000 of taxable valuation, multiplied by the millage rate.