Marysville Makes Cuts To Balance Budget

On Tuesday, members of Marysville City Council voted unanimously to reduce bus services by Blue Water Area Transit from six days a week to three.  Cutting the service was part of the 2012-13 budget that saw approval on Tuesday.  Reports say that in addition to bus service cuts, a 1% administration fee will be added to resident’s tax bills and the refuse fee that were added to last year’s water bills will remain.  Residents are billed twice a year for the refuse charge, as part of the water bills.  The votes for both fees were 5-2 with councilmen Harry Dunn III and Paul Wessel voting no.  Council members were dealing with a shortfall of between $350,000 and $360,000, said Randy Fernandez, assistant city manager. The 2012-13 general fund is about $7.78 million, which takes effect July 1.  To save money in Algonac coffers, the Algonac City Council is considering outsourcing their police services to the St. Clair County sheriff by September.  City Manager Doug Alexander  hopes to present a firm plan within 30 to 45 days.