Benton Harbor City Commissioners have approved a budget ordinance for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. At a Tuesday meeting, they heard from Plante Moran’s Rhonda Hildebrand the spending plan that starts July 1 anticipates General Fund revenues of a little more than $10 million and expenditures of $11.3 million. Because there’s a healthy fund balance, the difference can be made up.
“The General fund is showing expenses exceeding revenue, but that’s because there’s $2.1 million for a road project…You’ve accumulated money over time, and you haven’t spent it, so your fund balance is still positive.”
Hildebrand noted there’s still about $2.5 million in ARPA funds left. She said major items in the coming year will include $28 million in water system improvements, road work on Paw Paw Avenue, and 5% wage increases across the board for employees. Mayor Marcus Muhammad said the budget reflects Benton Harbor “getting its wings” because in years past, the city just struggled to stay above water.
