MichiganRadio

Budget Process Starts Early In Grand Rapids GRAND RAPIDS, MI (Michigan Radio) - The budget process for the city of Grand Rapids is starting several months early this year. Officials say that's because the size of the budget problem is much bigger.

City leaders in Grand Rapids just wrapped up this year's budget a couple of months ago. Normally, they wouldn't start on next year's budget until next Spring.

But city manager Greg Sundstrom says the work can't wait this time. The city is facing a $21 million shortfall. That's a 50% bigger shortfall than last year, which was already tough.

And Sundstrom says the state's budget debate in Lansing only adds to the uncertainty.

"The lack of clarity coming from Lansing right now only makes it more difficult for us," Sundstrom says. So, yeah, we would love Lansing to help us out here, but we're not counting on it at this time.

Sundstrom says the city will begin community meetings on the budget in November.

Click here for more information on the budget situation in Grand Rapids.

Contact Dustin Dwyer at dtdwyer@umich.edu

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