Fraser · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fraser public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Rec department budget request: staffing, hours, and software
The commission keeps circling the same problem: there's no software to take event fees online, so free events suffer no-shows and non-residents can't be filtered out. A Civic Plus quote of about $10,600 plus $5,000 annually will be pitched to council in May.
Restoring Fraser youth sports and recreation programs
A first step toward restoring youth recreation: a six-week soccer program for ages 3-12 starting around June 8, costing families about $60 per child. It's just an idea being worked out — the hardest part may be finding instructors — but it's the first programming in years.
PA 33 Police and Fire Millage and Budget Surplus
The council kept the police/fire tax at 1.5 mills even though the city is holding over $3 million above its 25% reserve target. Two council members say that's taxing for taxing's sake; the majority says aging roads and pipes plus a shaky economy make it smart budgeting.
FY 2026-2027 Budget Calendar
The city's proposed budget spends about $18 million from the general fund with millage rates going down slightly. Big-ticket items include finishing the industrial park roads, pension/OPEB obligations of $54 million combined, and proposed staffing additions like a full-time code enforcement officer.