Sterling Heights City Council to Analyze $318M Budget Addressing Infrastructure, Public Services

The Sterling Heights City Council is preparing to host an in-depth conversation about the proposed 2025-2026 city budget. A special budget meeting is set for Tuesday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m. Council members are expected to review a budget totaling $318 million to enhance and maintain infrastructure and public services.

According to information from Hoodline of Detroit, Sterling Heights' fiscal plan includes a proposed city millage rate of 17.5323, below the average for Michigan cities and one of the lowest rates in Macomb County. 

In a statement posted on the Sterling Heights City Council website, Council members committed to bolstering public safety. As such, the budget includes funds to support seven newly created positions. Those positions include four firefighters and EMT roles for peak-time ambulance staffing, plus two police officers for a Crisis Response and Intervention Team responding to distressed individuals. An additional resource officer is also planned for Warren Consolidated Schools. 

Regarding infrastructure enhancements, the proposed budget sets aside more than $12 million for significant roadway projects. This work includes reconstructing 15 Mile Road and resurfacing Dobry Drive. A major project on Clinton River Road, with a budget of $10.4 million, is also on the horizon.

Quality of life enhancements, such as investments in neighborhood recreation and green spaces, have also been factored into the 2025-2026 budget.

Voters' approval on the Pathway to Play and Preservation millage has allowed Sterling Heights to allot funds for two new parks, a pickleball complex, and a trail through the Nature Preserve. 

Infrastructure upgrades aren't limited to the outdoors only. Investments are also identified for municipal facilities, including transforming an unused jail into a police training facility and completely renovating the city's 35-year-old Fire Station No. 5 using available resources.