The Primary Election is on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. The City of Ferndale has two local ballot proposals to amend the City Charter.

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

Will either proposal cost taxpayers' money?

No! If adopted, both actions would result in cost savings for the City. For Proposal 1, the estimated cost savings for combining the two systems is up to $900,000 annually. The exact impact will be determined by an actuarial analysis following the combination. For Proposal 2, the savings are more nominal but would eliminate the general administrative and staffing costs of managing the commission.

Why is a voted charter amendment needed?

For both of these items, the structure of the pension system and commission is expressly described in the City Charter. The City Charter cannot be superseded by local ordinances or administrative rules alone; it can only be adjusted by the will of the voters or where state law supersedes. For Proposal 1 and Proposal 2, there is no way to make these corrections administratively, even with a vote of the City Council; a formal ballot amendment is required.

What is a funded ratio?

The funded ratio of a pension system reflects how much of the total obligation is currently covered by the system's investments. A 100% funding ratio means the system's current assets are expected to cover the total cost for all pensioners now and in the future. When the funded ratio is below 100%, there is still a gap that will need to be filled in the future, and when it is above 100%, it suggests there are more funds than are necessary to meet all obligations.

CHARTER AMENDMENT 1: 

What is on the ballot?

“This charter amendment would require the City of Ferndale to maintain a Policemen and Firemen Retirement System and to set forth the parameters of that System by ordinance as the City Council shall, from time to time, adopt. Shall the City of Ferndale, Charter, Chapter XIXB, be amended to so provide?” (yes/no)

What does this mean?

This Charter amendment would:

• Update the City’s pension system to protect retirement benefits, follow legal requirements, improve long-term funding, and help reduce costs for taxpayers
• Streamline operations by combining the Police and Fire Retirement System and the General Employee Retirement System through a City ordinance

This proposal is supported by both union and non-union employees as well as the Pension Boards.

Why is this important?

This amendment would increase the overall funded ratio and significantly reduce the General Fund's pension payment obligations from taxpayers. This amendment would not change any benefits for retirees.

What comes next if this Proposal is adopted?

The City Council will retain authority over the ordinances governing the combined pension system. No changes to the ordinances would be permitted without a majority vote of Council.

What role will City Council have if this is adopted?

The City Council will retain authority over the ordinances governing the combined pension system. No changes to the ordinances would be permitted without a majority vote of Council.

CHARTER AMENDMENT 2

What is on the ballot?

“This charter amendment shall eliminate the Civil Service System from the Charter of the City of Ferndale. Shall the City of Ferndale, Charter, Chapter XXA, creating the Civil Service System be deleted and repealed from the Charter of the City of Ferndale?” (yes/no)

What does this mean?

This Charter amendment would:

• Modernize employee practices by removing the outdated Civil Service Board
• Simplify redundant operations already being carried out by staff and maintain employee rights and accountability

This proposal is supported by both union and non-union employees, along with current and former Civil Service Board members.

Why is this important?

The Civil Service System, or Civil Service Board, was established before public-sector unions existed in Michigan. Today, employee protections come from union contracts, the Human Resources Department, and employment laws at all levels.

Employees are protected through collective bargaining agreements, Human Resources policies, and employment laws around discrimination, due process, workplace safety, and labor rights.

What comes next if this Proposal is adopted?

The Civil Service Board will be removed from the City Charter. Unions will continue to negotiate wages, benefits, discipline, grievances, and other employee matters through collective bargaining agreements. Human resources will continue to follow City policies, employee development, and applicable employment law.

What role will City Council have if this is adopted?

The Council will continue to:

• Approve (or deny) collective bargaining agreements.
• Adopt personnel-related ordinances and policies when appropriate.
• Approve the budget that funds City staffing.
• Hire and evaluate the City Manager, who is responsible for administering personnel policies.

HOW TO VOTE

Learn more about voting in Ferndale at ferndalemi.gov/services/voting-in-ferndale.