Brighton City Council Reviews Upcoming Budget YearBrighton City Council Reviews Upcoming Budget Year

3/27/14 - A wide-ranging discussion covered several aspects of the City of Brighton's 2014-2015 budget at a special work session last night. The meeting is one of three being held this week to allow the city council and staff to examine different issues related to the budget and how to go about funding various functions. One of the main issues discussed last night was how to pay for refuse collection, with user fees not covering the cost of the service, and a proposed millage rejected by voters. City Manager Dana Foster says the council seems inclined to increase user fees to more accurately reflect the cost of the service. The city council also discussed the issue of roads and infrastructure, which took a pounding from the unusually cold and snowy winter. They discussed how to pay for various unfunded and critical infrastructure projects, with options ranging from general fund money to possible special assessment districts spanning all or part of the city. Foster and Police Chief Tom Wightman discussed the new upgrades to police department equipment that would be purchased with the new public safety technology millage that takes effect beginning in the new budget year. These will include three new police vehicles to replace existing vehicles, each with more than 140,000 miles of use. Te council also discussed the content and wording of survey questions that will be put forward to residents on the city's website. The last of the budget workshops will take place tonight at the Brighton City Hall. (TD)