[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6458754,"mediaKeyId","5810489-4989ae4ebd9b368f1c01605755b1a21a","parentId",5810489,"title","Commission hears update on regional Fire Training Center and city manager says budget amendment will surface added revenue","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",2471000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810489-4989ae4ebd9b368f1c01605755b1a21a&start=2471&end=2471","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5810489-4989ae4ebd9b368f1c01605755b1a21a/thumbnail_2471000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6458754/Benton-Harbor/Berrien-County/Michigan/Commission-hears-update-on-regional-Fire-Training-Center-and-city-manager-says-budget-amendment-will-surface-added-revenue","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458754-d07abba6b74cc69f8f37c3db89673727/orig.mp4?Expires=1771056626&Signature=YBm54n6hc8G5wgQNUBSpvsTtBTViDKmOnX~5MNVm3jygBa~2vTqEJaiFSL~ZHOLyLwgrodIIv1QDNm-2jYHPqGaSeOf1gzj2aYziBH1ZRcElnORsXzstjXGZY9yrZ6kyQo9H36ATuUrObxgh0P8h1NCCBCNdqi9RUDZqfNUidH-TbpBWrvxC2VOZUv5fYEAeClv1PZXMYsPswlK9baNbMqG9aE2Z7hy5PRD~vTrD4KBnXL63W8JWgXZvlTKnrWwgbUO4bLzoM3iusISOPKPMCJ-DkVBqWEFpoUeJGnlNUP4MZRdHyOuSOlro5XVggl~bKP~pdKIR2gtJIvyoAtK42A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Benton Harbor","date","2025-09-16T00:00:00Z","article","Deputy Director of Public Safety (name not specified in transcript) told the Benton Harbor City Commission that the regional Fire Training Center has trained more than 2,500 firefighters in the past four years and described the program as a local success.

“It's something we were told that would never happen and could never be done. ... we are Benton Harbor and we're going to make this a huge success,” the deputy director said.

The City Manager (name not specified in transcript) reported that since the July 1 budget was adopted the city has identified approximately $100,000 of additional general-fund revenue and will present a quarterly budget amendment to the commission. The manager said some of those funds will be applied to public works cleanup and library projects discussed earlier in the meeting.

The city manager and finance staff told commissioners that previous conditions—such as the legacy of emergency management and deferred maintenance—left a backlog of issues the city is now addressing as additional funds become available. Commissioners noted the budget amendment would be considered by the personnel and finance committee and scheduled for a public quarterly review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission 9.15.25","oneSentenceSummary","Deputy fire officials reported the regional Fire Training Center has trained over 2,500 firefighters in four years. The city manager said the city identified roughly $100,000 in additional general-fund revenue since the July 1 budget and plans a quarterly amendment to reflect that and other adjustments.","taxTitle","Benton Harbor, Berrien County, Michigan","taxId",70841,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6458758,"Commission approves city manager authority to install Mamie L. Yarbrough library sign after budget questions",512,1892000,2404000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810489-4989ae4ebd9b368f1c01605755b1a21a&start=1892&end=2404","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5810489-4989ae4ebd9b368f1c01605755b1a21a/thumbnail_1892000.jpg","/articles/6458758/Benton-Harbor/Berrien-County/Michigan/Commission-approves-city-manager-authority-to-install-Mamie-L-Yarbrough-library-sign-after-budget-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458758-6edb6a17def1e6ed2cc73c2b056f3040/orig.mp4?Expires=1771056626&Signature=WXRkV9LvF39NJN7sekyNyO1C1-GyyjyZ~bPM1h78bVVxUzBqkLgxKbnc8jCc~VH~NZKWrs3AfgwhlxYV7e0-DLUpV14CxBAyXfh52jqrrr-kMzo9NJl5UCN70lkEMYapBA1PCzEUkaFG0fHdKHIlrkgjT5jMl2CLfAZXBOK1RgHW4iUPq9YOdj4BO0TG95sQZpFiejKUClGY9Xjdje48LjkIdewv~uVZuSDoFOZ5pAQrJxEIW-U33T7HLC7QSFU-juWG2243YJp2dLhZthOYpxuQLNk4Iu0F0cIboYokBWRCr402W87k7ptqUVfl15FkVp1aY1DabqFSo4EUTZ9Yzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Benton Harbor City Commission approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to negotiate and execute the installation of a sign for the Benton Harbor Public Library, named in the discussion for Mamie L. Yarbrough, with the expenditure not to exceed $15,000.

One commissioner asked specifically where the money would come from and said they could not vote without knowing the funding source. City Manager (name not specified in transcript) and other speakers said the expenditure would not be paid from the general fund and that the city had identified approximately $100,000 in additional general-fund revenue since the fiscal-year budget was approved; the manager said there would be a budget amendment scheduled for the commission’s quarterly review to reflect these adjustments.

Supporters noted the library is a public building named for Yarbrough and described the sign as a legacy item rather than a personal gift. The commission discussed transparency and committee review; the city manager said the funds identified would cover the library sign and other items and that the finance/personnel committee would release details prior to the quarterly amendment.

A roll-call vote was taken; the clerk recorded affirmative votes from the mayor, mayor pro tem and a majority of commissioners present and the chair announced the motion carried.","The Benton Harbor City Commission approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to negotiate and execute installation of a library sign costing up to $15,000 after commissioners raised questions about the funding source and were told the cost will be covered by a budget amendment.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6458764,"Benton Harbor commission appoints Jerry Edwards to Cemetery Board after debate over attendance",451,1349000,1800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810489-4989ae4ebd9b368f1c01605755b1a21a&start=1349&end=1800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5810489-4989ae4ebd9b368f1c01605755b1a21a/thumbnail_1349000.jpg","/articles/6458764/Benton-Harbor/Berrien-County/Michigan/Benton-Harbor-commission-appoints-Jerry-Edwards-to-Cemetery-Board-after-debate-over-attendance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458764-1560f8642da80d5afe82f980309158ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771056626&Signature=A915Risn0VkPQVD7vBRM7PsEvBKCq2zk9YGjnpz5EAA5kiRETrHv0hqEE6Q~-ChjTVTWSwGHW0RLesJK338LgXxIMZbwxwMT595p6sINXjc6VkW7JzX~LhQt~xfZEhOvrrU97ZuWZRPT~p639Ou9eEg2Ke~Ok7ONUYk0B51cRffzKofEphJV95NabUxhjkvVbEsVFJASTG39aYgpJOyAM3xRoii3BhFuo9MwqSxXB9FEnhH6HZOUN72gDlAadS7riOS3zu9BTAbbJsMIzx-JkrBB2zZsVel5HNvDCNt~-J4J4oiWiipgzvWa0Wiy~MlDU~OiHEWfdqZNL3bzxGHn6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Benton Harbor City Commission voted to approve the appointment of Jerry Edwards to the city Cemetery Board after several commissioners defended his record and described recent personal hardships.

One commissioner raised concerns that Edwards had missed meetings on other boards, saying he had been absent “three” times in a row and that the last attendance had been in February. The commissioner asked what made Edwards a fit candidate given those absences.

Commissioner Henderson told the commission that the appointment came through the legislative committee and noted Edwards’s prior years of service, saying when “he was able to serve, he did a great job” and that the commission should show compassion for personal circumstances. Mayor Mohammed and several other commissioners described Edwards as a long-time volunteer and community advocate and extended condolences for recent family losses Edwards had experienced.

After discussion, a motion to appoint Edwards was made and seconded. During roll call, Commissioner Lehi Griffin voted no; the clerk recorded affirmative votes from Commissioner Henderson, Commissioner Isom, Commissioner Singleton and Mayor Mohammed, and the chair announced the motion carried.

The appointment is voluntary; no compensation was reported in the meeting record.","The commission voted to appoint Jerry Edwards to the city Cemetery Board despite concerns from one commissioner about multiple absences from other boards; supporters cited Edwards’s prior service and personal hardship.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6458768,"Lake Michigan College president outlines millage change, apprenticeships and police academy at Benton Harbor meeting",21,16000,37000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810489-4989ae4ebd9b368f1c01605755b1a21a&start=16&end=37","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5810489-4989ae4ebd9b368f1c01605755b1a21a/thumbnail_16000.jpg","/articles/6458768/Benton-Harbor/Berrien-County/Michigan/Lake-Michigan-College-president-outlines-millage-change-apprenticeships-and-police-academy-at-Benton-Harbor-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458768-ad9c8491335b2e675032011f6f5b4c4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771056626&Signature=AkYZli0-rnVoiFZ~doHhjU0gCqNkGMJwEwfAlm6PZC6zo-YB6wWZB5TE-RZETtF6ppWStjXU~~WiJ5NseYJgIiV5YUOxW525ajTT0zNSxzq7ydM~FgOBBufVBkYHnT0gddLntSLjAWp9OBUGklZP4jLLcYvnWLkIjWUccjb84LxvwmvkcG09yQc59zNp2iWkozgElyS08nsR0fTRH8YFfGFv65pTrhRwnHm8AdPp6yF1z4qRmU6pLHnvgbEht8DIJA6vpfKAZ84Lxu2cAaC~-jSxQ6t9FMeZPnN5~q6inMS4JPoJwVzLGeacxDKMI6PIDnxAkV7PkQ~02pW4zI2RKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lake Michigan College President (name not specified in transcript) told the Benton Harbor City Commission that the college plans to put a rate change on the ballot and described the change as a tax cut. “And what we're proposing to do is to reduce that to 4. ... To me, that's a tax cut, and that's what will be on the ballot,” the president said.

The president said the revenue in question cannot be used for operating expenses and “we can only use that for buildings, maintenance.” He cited the Mendel Center as an example of a facility that needs repairs that “is going to take millions of dollars to fix,” and said the college regards the theater as an asset for community events.

The presentation also highlighted student-retention and affordability metrics. The president said a private ranking firm, SmartAsset, reviewed 500 community colleges and ranked Lake Michigan College first in Michigan and 13th nationally; he said the college’s retention rate is “up over 85%” and that the college’s faculty-student ratio is about 13-to-1.

On workforce training, the president described recent and new programs the college is promoting. He said the college is expanding dual-enrollment and early middle-college opportunities for Benton Harbor students, noting those programs can save families money and allow students to earn an associate degree more quickly. He also emphasized apprenticeships—particularly youth apprenticeships tied to Department of Labor programs—and said the college launched a countywide youth-apprenticeship program to build the local workforce.

The president described a newly established local police academy, saying the college stood up the program within 10 months, obtained approvals, hired staff and “graduated 27 officers in the last 2 summers.”

Commissioner Simmons praised the presentation and said the college’s programs—especially welding and other trades training—are “phenomenal” for Benton Harbor, noting apprenticeships and workforce pathways and urging the city not to take the college’s work for granted.

The president closed by noting recent campus investments including new turf fields and reiterated the college’s fiscal standing, saying it holds one of the highest credit ratings among Michigan community colleges and that the college is seeking reductions in a capital-rate figure and a freeze in an operational rate through 2046.","Lake Michigan College president told the Benton Harbor City Commission the college will place a rate change on the ballot that he described as a tax cut, emphasized capital-only restrictions on those funds, and highlighted apprenticeship and police academy programs designed to boost local workforce training.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission hears update on regional Fire Training Center and city manager says budget amendment will surface added revenue

Commission approves city manager authority to install Mamie L. Yarbrough library sign after budget questions

Benton Harbor commission appoints Jerry Edwards to Cemetery Board after debate over attendance

Lake Michigan College president outlines millage change, apprenticeships and police academy at Benton Harbor meeting