Collected and spent
In 2022, Battle Creek spent about $144.3M. This is a Census of Governments estimate across all of its funds.
Spent
$144.3M
Fiscal year 2022 · Census of Governments estimate, all funds · spending
Where the money comes from
One tax.
Income tax
1%
Source · Michigan Department of Treasury, Battle Creek resident city income tax. Read on May 24, 2026.
Details
Battle Creek resident city income tax (1.00%; MI Uniform City Income Tax Ordinance Act 284 of 1964)Where it goes
Ten service lines.
Public works
$38.9M
Other
$38.0M
Police
$20.7M
General government
$18.0M
Fire
$12.8M
Health and human services
$6.8M
Parks and recreation
$3.2M
Debt service · past obligation
$2.8M
Transit
$2.1M
Courts
$0.8M
Bars in both tables share one scale. Hatched lines pay for past obligations, not current services.
Source · 2022 Census of Governments - Estimated service split source. Read on October 20, 2026.
Who decides
The Commission appoints a City Manager, who runs daily city work. The Mayor presides at meetings and has a vote. The Commission must adopt the budget by June 30 each year. 9 seats: the Mayor, 3 at large and 5 by ward.
Mark Behnke
Mayor
Term end not published
Re-check by November 3, 2026
Sherry Sofia
Commissioner, at large
Term end not published
Re-check by November 3, 2026
Carla Reynolds
Commissioner, at large
Term end not published
Re-check by November 3, 2026
Paige Katsarsky-Smith
Commissioner, at large
Term end not published
Re-check by November 3, 2026
Jessica LaCosse
Commissioner, Ward 1
Term end not published
Re-check by November 3, 2026
Jenasia Morris
Commissioner, Ward 2
Term end not published
Re-check by November 3, 2026
Patrick O'Donnell
Commissioner, Ward 3
Term end not published
Re-check by November 3, 2026
Christopher Simmons
Commissioner, Ward 4
Term end not published
Re-check by November 3, 2026
Jim Lance
Commissioner, Ward 5
Term end not published
Re-check by November 3, 2026
Source · City of Battle Creek, Charter of the City of Battle Creek, section 7.4 Budget Hearing and Adoption. Read on October 16, 2026.
Details
Charter of the City of Battle Creek, section 7.4 Budget Hearing and Adoption (the manager and mayor roles are from sections 2.11 and 2.9) (read 2026-10-16)When decisions happen
The Commission holds a public hearing on the budget. It must adopt the budget by June 30. It also declares the amount to raise by property tax.
Each yearThe fiscal year starts July 1.
Next electionThe next general election is November 3, 2026.
All 9 seats are on the ballot: the Mayor, 3 at-large and 5 ward seats.
How to reach it
City Clerk's office
Phone
City Clerk (public comment to the Commission)
Email
City Clerk, 10 N Division Street, Room 111, Battle Creek, MI 49014
Mailing address
Source · City of Battle Creek, Charter of the City of Battle Creek, section 7.1 Fiscal Year. Read on October 16, 2026.
Details
Charter of the City of Battle Creek, section 7.1 Fiscal Year (read 2026-10-16)Also on this tax bill
A Battle Creek address pays these governments too. Which school districts apply depends on the address.
On every bill in Battle Creek
MichiganState
Calhoun CountyNot in Who Taxes Me yet
On some bills, depending on the address
School districts: 5
Battle Creek Public SchoolsNot in Who Taxes Me yet
Lakeview School DistrictNot in Who Taxes Me yet
Climax-Scotts Community School DistrictNot in Who Taxes Me yet
Pennfield School DistrictNot in Who Taxes Me yet
Harper Creek Community SchoolsNot in Who Taxes Me yet
Sources
Spent
2022 Census of Governments - Estimated service split source. Read on October 20, 2026.
Taxes
Michigan Department of Treasury, Battle Creek resident city income tax. Read on May 24, 2026.
Details
Battle Creek resident city income tax (1.00%; MI Uniform City Income Tax Ordinance Act 284 of 1964)Who decides
City of Battle Creek, Charter of the City of Battle Creek, section 7.4 Budget Hearing and Adoption. Read on October 16, 2026.
Details
Charter of the City of Battle Creek, section 7.4 Budget Hearing and Adoption (the manager and mayor roles are from sections 2.11 and 2.9) (read 2026-10-16)When decisions happen
City of Battle Creek, Charter of the City of Battle Creek, section 7.1 Fiscal Year. Read on October 16, 2026.
Details
Charter of the City of Battle Creek, section 7.1 Fiscal Year (read 2026-10-16)How to reach it
City of Battle Creek, Battle Creek City Commission page. Read on October 16, 2026.
Details
Battle Creek City Commission page (read 2026-10-16)What it does
2022 Census of Governments - Estimated service split source. Read on October 16, 2026.
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