Title
Resolution to Appropriate Funds and to Amend the Public Services Area Transportation Unit General Fund Operations and Maintenance Budget to Support the Removal of Neighborhood Watch Sign Removals ($18,000.00) (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
During the City Council meeting held on December 15, 2025, City Council approved #R-25-457, which mandated the removal of Neighborhood Watch Signs. Attached is a resolution seeking authorization to appropriate the necessary funding to facilitate this work.
The removal of these signs will assist in aligning the city’s physical environment with its core values and with evidence-based public safety practices that prioritize connection rather than suspicion. The Ann Arbor Police Department has expressed its support for this removal, and the Signs and Signals teams have been instructed to commence scheduling the removal, with a completion deadline set for no later than July 15, 2026. A progress report, including a budgetary update, is required by April 15, 2026.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Removal of non-traffic related signage does not qualify as an eligible activity under the funding source, Major/Local Street Funds (Act 51), within the Transportation Sign/Signal Budget, and there are no available funds in the approved FY 26 Police operations and maintenance budget. Consequently, an appropriation of $18,000.00 is necessary from the General Fund Unobligated Fund Balance to fund the mandated effort.
Staff
Prepared by: Edward Ader, Financial Manager
Reviewed by: Marti Praschan, Chief Financial Manager
Approved by: Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, During the December 15, 2025, City Council meeting, City Council approved #R-25-457, which mandated the removal of Neighborhood Watch Signs;
Whereas, The sign removal will assist in aligning the city’s physical environment with its core values and with evidence-based public safety practices that prioritize connection rather than suspicion;
Whereas, More than 600 Neighborhood Watch signs have been scheduled for removal; and
Whereas, Eligible funding is not available to facilitate the removal of Neighborhood Watch Signage;
RESOLVED, That $18,000.00 be appropriated from the General Fund Unobligated Fund Balance to the FY26 General Fund Transportation expenditure budget for the removal of Neighborhood Watch Signs;
RESOLVED, That all amounts herein are without regard to fiscal year; and
RESOLVED, That City Council authorize the City Administrator to take the necessary actions to implement this resolution.