Title
Public Safety and Infrastructure Technical Review Committee: Recommendation for Fire Millage
Body
Whereas, the City of Rochester Hills is committed to maintaining high-quality fire and emergency medical services for its residents; and
Whereas, the current City Charter (Section 4.2, subsection .4) limits the Fire Department levy to 3.0 mills (limited to 2.7798 mill by Headlee rollback); and
Whereas, internal projections for FY 2027 indicate a need for 12 additional firefighters to meet service demands; and
Whereas, an increase in the authorized millage is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Fire Operating Fund (206) and the Fire Capital Fund (402); and
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Public Safety and Infrastructure Technical Review Committee (PS&ITRC) hereby recommends that the Rochester Hills City Council approve the following ballot language at its April 13, 2026, meeting for inclusion on the August 4, 2026, Primary Election ballot:
PROPOSED CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT TO AUTHORIZE ADDITIONAL MILLAGE FOR FUNDING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
A proposal to amend the City Charter by modifying Section 4.2, subsection .4. This subsection currently authorizes the City to levy up to 3.0 mills for funding of the Fire Department. If adopted, the charter amendment will increase the amount the City may levy for funding of the Fire Department to 3.5 mills.
Shall the City of Rochester Hills Charter be amended to modify Section 4.2 to authorize the City to levy up to 3.5 mills for funding of the Fire Department?
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this recommendation be forwarded to the City Council for consideration at their April 13, 2026 meeting, to ensure inclusion in the August 4, 2026 Primary Election and the FY 2027 Proposed Budget process.