In addition to Sandusky Police Chief Brett Lester’s annual performance review, the Sandusky City Council will be considering a resolution next Monday to request that the legislature/governor include funding in the 2023 budget for the community following pension best practices established by the state.
The resolution ultimately asks the state government to revisit House Bill 5054, which had been approved by the Michigan House of Representatives in March of 2022, but died in committee before making it to the state senate. The bill would have divided $250 million between underfunded communities, including Sandusky, via a pension best practices and debt reduction grant program.
Sandusky and similar communities in Michigan were ineligible for $750 million in pension relief allocated by the state in 2022 via the Protecting MI Pension Grant Program, as funds were granted only to cities, villages, townships, counties, and road commissions with a qualified retirement system with a funded ratio less than 60% based on their last report. In the thumb area, only Port Sanilac, Capac, the City of St. Clair, Dryden and Vassar would be qualified to apply for that grant.
Also at the May 1 meeting, Chief Lester will review his accomplishments over the past year with the council, with his job evaluation expected to be approved. The city council will also be considering a street sale application as the Sandusky Lions Club prepares for their White Cane Fundraiser on May 12, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Sandusky.
