The City of Ferndale held a Budget Workshop on March 22, 2025, focusing on financial planning and project funding for the upcoming fiscal years. The meeting addressed various budgetary items, including sponsorships, capital improvements, and departmental funding strategies.

The workshop began with a report on fundraising efforts, highlighting that over $13,000 had been raised in sponsorships and services for city programs, with a projection of reaching $16,000 by the end of the year. City officials emphasized the importance of leveraging partnerships to utilize existing facilities, which would help reduce costs associated with renting additional spaces for programs.

A significant portion of the budget discussion centered around parks and recreation, which is projected to represent approximately 11% of the overall budget for fiscal year 2026. Key projects mentioned included the Martin Road Park service facility, which is expected to commence this fiscal year, and the replacement of an outdated playground structure at Martin Grove Park. The playground project is estimated at $300,000, with plans to apply for a $150,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to assist with funding.

The meeting also covered capital improvement projects, including sidewalk path improvements funded by a county grant, which will kick off in the coming weeks. Additionally, discussions included the replacement of an aging tractor used for park maintenance, with a budget of $60,000 allocated for this purchase.

City officials expressed confidence in their ability to meet funding goals for various projects, including a $225,000 Harding Line replacement project, which has already secured $100,000 in funding. They are also pursuing a crowdfunding initiative to raise the remaining funds needed for this project.

As the meeting progressed, officials acknowledged the cost-saving measures implemented across departments, noting their importance for the community. The workshop concluded with a break for lunch, after which the council planned to continue discussions on non-general fund department highlights.

Overall, the Budget Workshop provided a comprehensive overview of Ferndale's financial planning efforts, emphasizing community engagement and strategic partnerships to enhance city services and infrastructure.