By Patrick Sullivan
As we prepare for 2018, the MME Board of Directors finds it necessary to make some changes in order to get our budget in balance. We have run significant operating deficits the past two years ($60,409 in 2015 and $24,112 in $2016). While much of this was due to a planned spend down of fund balance for the branding effort, the deficit continues into the current budget year. We only planned to spend about $5,000 on the branding effort this year, and we are still projecting a deficit of $8-10,000. We have not increased dues since 2008. The Board met on Oct. 19 and approved the following changes for the 2018 budget and subsequent years:
Dues
Annual membership dues will be increased to $130 (an increase of $20) for Professional and Affiliate Memberships in 2018, and then increased $5 per year through 2022. Consultant memberships will be increased to $300 (an increase of $50), and then increased $5 per year through 2022. The annual $5 increase is to help keep us from getting into the predicament of having to significantly raise dues instead of gradually keeping up with inflation.
Conference Registrations
When we decided to include meals in the conference registration rate a few years ago, we didn’t account for the 65-70 comped registrations for each conference, which now include free meals.This is a significant cost that we are not currently covering. Registrations for retirees and first time attendees will now include a flat rate to cover the meals for the conferences. Students and Mangers in Transition will still receive free registration and meals. We will be increasing the registration fee for the Winter Institute and Summer Workshop by $5.
These changes are necessary to keep up with inflation and continue the good work of our MME. We appreciate your continued support and hope the value you receive from our organization far exceeds the contribution necessary to maintain its continuance.
Patrick Sullivan,
President-elect, Michigan Municipal Executives; City Manager, Northville
Patrick Sullivan was selected to be the city manager of Northville in 2006. His previous governmental experience included 10 years as superintendent of the City of St. Clair; four years as assistant village manager and village clerk of Beverly Hills; manager of the Village of New Haven; and township clerk of Lenox Township. You may reach him at 248-449-9905 or psullivan@ci.northville.mi.us.