Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the total budgeted Revenues and Expenses?

The budget is balanced at $219.5 million. Primary sources of Revenue are Property Taxes of $79.5 million (36%); Water & Sewer $54.2 million (25%); Fees, Permits, Fines & Other $52.0 million (24%). Primary Expenditures are Public Safety $64.9 million (31%); Water & Sewer $54.2 million (26%); Roads & Facilities $30.9 million (15%).

2. What are the General Funds budgeted Revenues and Expenditures?

The proposed budget is based on projected revenues complemented by a judicious draw on existing fund balance. Total General Fund revenue of $100,644,709 relies heavily on property taxes which comprise $61,537,776 or 61% of total revenue. Revenue sharing and Local Community Stabilization funds expected to be received from the State of Michigan comprise $11,410,372 or 11% of total revenue. Fees, licenses, permits and other charges for services are budgeted to bring in $8,763,464 or 9% of total revenue. The draw on fund balance totals $6,587,547 or 7% of total revenue and is comprised of a $650,000 use of Metro Act funds in the restricted fund balance and a $5,937,547 use of unrestricted fund balance.

Total General Fund expenditures are budgeted at $100,644,709 driven by personnel costs of $72,536,982 or 73% of total expenditures. Police and Fire services continue to be a significant portion of General Fund expenditures at $59,143,871 or 59% of total expenditures.

3. How much revenue are Property Taxes expected to generate?

Property taxes are expected to generate just over $86 million for the City to fund operations. In addition to Proposal A, the City had a Headlee rollback for fiscal year 2023 which permanently reduced the maximum allowable millage levy. Despite these challenges and significant loss of revenue to the City, Southfield continues to provide outstanding services to our residents and stakeholders and remains committed to keeping the City a vibrant, thriving community as we move into the future.

4. What services are provided through Property Tax Dollars?

Police & Fire 45%; General Operations 24%; Roads, Drains and Other 14%; Library 10%; Parks and Recreation 7%.

5. What are the total number of full time employees?

There are a total of 627 Career employee positions included in the FY25 Budget.

6. What major projects are expected this fiscal year?

Major Street projects include North Park Drive and Rutland Road. Local Street projects include Hyde Park & Roseland neighborhood; Oakland Villiage (Gelneyrie and Edgemont). Water & Sewer projects include Hyde Park & Roseland neghborhood; Lift Stations; North Park Drive Construction. Click here for a complete listing.