Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


Like many small municipalities, the Village of Pinckney is grappling with financial challenges.

Council met this week and approved setting the total millage rate for the summer 2025 tax levy at 11.9681-mills. It was stated the operating millage decreased slightly.

No one spoke during a public hearing held on the rate, but President Jeff Buerman commented that they are running into budget deficit issues during a general discussion and budget review.

On a positive note, there has been growth in the tax base that’s expected to bring in approximately $40,000 in additional revenue. It was stated the equity of the values of properties that sold and new businesses in town have offset the amount lost to Headlee Rollback.

Buerman noted the Headlee Act is up for debate in the state House and it’s a big discussion because a lot of small communities like Pinckney are facing deficits. He said it’s an issue, especially with state revenue sharing going down, and “it’s really hurting us”.

Buerman said they’re running about $435,000 “in the rears”, and have also lost revenue because state revenue sharing is down and expenses are up. He stated there’s been a deficit for the past couple of years but this will be the biggest and they can’t keep running this way. He said it’s an easy or overnight fix and they’ve got a year to figure it out but they need to come up with solutions.

Buerman said they do have money in the bank but can’t just keep taking from the general fund and need to look at all possibilities and how they do business.

Buerman stated the cemetery fund has a $27,000 deficit, the sewer fund $46,000, and the water fund has a deficit of $191,000. He said they’re going to have to raise rates – they have no choice - as well as fee schedule increase before a new subdivision goes in.

Buerman commented further it is not a dire emergency but things will eventually will catch up and they could have issues down the road - especially if something goes wrong and they can’t find funding and potential grants to fix the sewer system problems.

Buerman cautioned it’s also only going to get worse as they can’t be competitive with wages being a small town with limited resources. He said everybody wants more money – citing the treasurer, clerk, DPW, and police - but said they don’t have any more money and questioned how they pay competitive wages.

Buerman is seeking input and ideas from Council members, saying it is a daunting task but he thinks they can come up with reasonable and creative solutions.

The budget will be before Council for approval at the next meeting.