PARTHENON CONEY ISLAND
Discounts Up To
& RESTAURANT
40% Brad Baynai Agent
Mon-Sat: 6am-10pm Sun: 7am-9pm
18706 Eureka Rd Southgate, MI 48195
17064 Fort Street Riverview
734-282-6000
734.285.5900
www.bradbaynai.com
www.parthenonconeyisland.com
SouthgateStar.com
February 12 - March 11, 2025
Complimentary
State of the City Address
Southgate Mayor highlights fiscal strength, public safety, and transformative projects
IS A GREAT TIME TO LEARN TO
FLY!
DISCOVERY FLIGHTS
$200
AIRCRAFT RENTALS FLIGHT TOURS FLIGHT TRAINING 9505 GROH RD. GROSSE ILE
734-775-8640
Halls-FlyingServices.com
O
n January 30th, Mayor Joseph G. Kuspa delivered his annual State of the City address, painting a picture of a thriving Southgate built on sound financial principles, a steadfast commitment to public safety, and a forward-thinking approach to community development. His speech, peppered with historical references and local anecdotes, emphasized the interconnectedness of past decisions and present realities, highlighting the collaborative efforts that have propelled Southgate forward. FINANCIAL PRUDENCE AND DEBT ELIMINATION: A LEGACY OF RESPONSIBLE GOVENANCE Mayor Kuspa proudly announced that Southgate had once again earned an unmodified audit opinion from
Plante Moran, the highest mark of financial health and reporting. He stressed the City’s dedication to fiscal responsibility, noting a $400,000 increase in the unobligated fund balance in 2024, even while maintaining a balanced budget. However, the true testament to Southgate’s financial stewardship, according to the Mayor, lies in its dramatic debt reduction. At the start of Mayor Kuspa’s administration in 2009, the General Debt obligation of the City of Southgate was over $14,000,000. Today, it is down to $650,000. That is a 95% reduction in the City’s General Debt over that time period. “This,” Mayor Kuspa declared, “is a statistic I take a great deal of pride in.” He attributed this success to a commitment to strategic planning and responsible policies, not simply borrowing. This financial stability, he asserted, allows the City to address the SEE ADDRESS, PAGE 5
NOW HIRIN G
• Power Washing • Roofing • Porches
• Tuckpointing • Handyman • Cement
• Chimney Repair • Chimney Sweep • FREE ESTIMATES
CALL 734.318.8723