In Parts 1 and 2, I shared my general thoughts on the City’s budget and the importance of giving residents a stronger voice in setting priorities. In this final part, I want to look at how we can take a more comprehensive approach to planning that maintains existing infrastructure while supporting growth and preparing for future needs.
A good example of why this approach matters can be seen in the Parks and Recreation millage proposals from 2023 and 2024. Both sought revenue to repair facilities that had not been properly maintained, along with funding for new infrastructure. The 2024 proposal included $2.3 million for deferred park maintenance and another $2 million for repairs to the Plymouth Cultural Center, including a new roof, windows, and Zamboni. While it was good to see maintenance finally addressed, these repairs reflected years of deferred upkeep that should have been planned and budgeted for over time. The same proposal also included up to $2.1 million for a new multi-sport turf field. We should not add new amenities until we have a feasible plan to maintain what already exists.
A responsible budgeting process should be comprehensive, factoring in the full lifecycle of all infrastructure (roads, buildings, parks, and parking facilities), what maintenance it requires, and when replacements will be needed. It should prioritize proactive maintenance over reactive funding and balance the upkeep of existing facilities with thoughtful additions.
There will always be times when additional tax revenue is needed, such as for major road or infrastructure repairs. However, no part of the budget should be considered in a silo. Spending and revenue decisions should align with a long-term plan that reflects community priorities and considers the full lifecycle of our assets.
While the City’s budget is technically “balanced” because it does not plan to spend more than it collects, we should ask an important question: if we are consistently deferring maintenance on critical infrastructure, is our budget truly balanced? A forward-looking budget does more than balance numbers on a page. It ensures that the community we enjoy today remains sustainable for generations to come.
This three-part series has focused on how Plymouth can continue to be a well-managed, community-driven city. A strong budget is more than a financial document. It reflects our values, our priorities, and our commitment to future generations. We need to make sure that residents have a voice in setting those priorities, that we maintain what we already have, and that we plan responsibly for what lies ahead. By working together as an informed community, we can make thoughtful decisions that protect Plymouth’s character and ensure its long-term success.
John Barrett
What are your views on the future development of the Christian Science Church property?
Karen Sisolak
As I stated in my July 3 post, I did not support the Champion proposal because it did not provide a meaningful public benefit and, in my view, overbuilt the lot. At the same time, I have empathy for the Church. Our current ordinances prevent them from splitting the lot, which I believe is what they need to do to afford building the smaller church they hope to construct.
Our zoning ordinances are quite dated. In 2023, the City completed an audit to identify inconsistencies, outdated language, contradictions with the Master Plan, and areas of non-compliance with state and federal laws. The Planning Commission is now working on implementing those recommendations. These include updates to the regulations governing religious institutions, which may allow the Church to finally split the lot.
As most residents know, the property is currently zoned R-1 Single Family Residential. Before considering any rezoning, I would like to see those ordinance updates completed and give the Church the opportunity to evaluate their options under the revised code. This could help avoid the need for a PUD. PUDs have their place, but they should not be used as a first option or as a means to bypass existing zoning standards.
This is a complicated topic. IF you want to discuss in person let me know. You can email me from this website.