​The concept design phase of the reactivation of Stephenson Park includes a community engagement meeting hosted by the City of Morenci’s landscape architect and project prime professional, Lisa DuRussel. Residents are invited to the public meeting on Monday, July 24 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stair District Library. Stop in to see the design intention for Stephenson Park, to learn more about the grant funding the City of Morenci was awarded to complete the project, and to provide your feedback. Light refreshments will be served.
​Morenci Monthly Newsletters are being mailed out in water bills this week. Our digital version, which contains additional updates, photos, and helpful links, was emailed to subscribers today.
Morenci’s Annual Citywide Yard Sales are coming up on Saturday, July 15. It’s a good opportunity to sell your unwanted items or score a bargain with a stroll around town. There will be no registration or map this year.
​Morenci Citywide Garbage Pick-up is Saturday, July 22. This service will be in addition to the normally scheduled garbage pick-up on Wednesday, July 19. Refuse items must be placed at the curb before 7:00 a.m. If refuse items are put out after your street has been serviced, the pick-up crew will not be able to return to your residence. This service is for City of Morenci residents only. All refuse items may have only been accumulated from the residence or structure. Click this link for a list of acceptable and unacceptable items: https://5il.co/1ctlu
​In observance of Independence Day, the City of Morenci offices will be closed on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4th. Modern Waste Systems refuse pick-up is delayed to Thursday, July 6, due to the holiday.
The City of Morenci's Water Quality Report for 2022 is now available.
The City of Morenci Downtown Development Authority will meet for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at Morenci City Offices located at 118 Orchard St. Morenci, MI 49256.
​As part of the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan, outdated water meters are being replaced throughout the City of Morenci.  The meter purchase of $189,950 and $82,600 for the installation was approved by City Council at their June 12 meeting and is covered by the Capital Improvement Bond. Traditional meters are being upgraded to digital smart meters, which offer several advantages. These include remote reading capabilities, improved accuracy in usage and billing, advanced data analysis features, and an integrated alarm system to detect leaks, tampering, and the risk of freezing.  The City of Morenci has contracted with VEPO Metering to complete the installation. VEPO Metering was selected based on their experience as a meter installation contractor. All installers will have identification, wear uniforms, travel in marked vehicles and have completed background checks. For the installation of the new meter, access to indoor meters is required, and it is essential to ensure that the area is clear and easily accessible. An adult 18 years or older must be present during the four-hour block of time scheduled. Installation takes  approximately 30 minutes. Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request.   VEPO Metering has sent letters to residents with information and instructions. To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-860-8376 or visit https://utilityscheduler.com/s... with your account number. There is no cost for the replacement, but water meter replacement is required in accordance with Ordinance 21-30 Access to Meters.
BURN BAN LIFTED EFFECTIVE 6/14/23: Tomorrow morning at 9am the burn ban will be lifted. We want to thank everyone for the cooperation over the last week and a half during the burn ban. We would ask everyone to please be very mindful when burning of the wind and your surroundings. Conditions are better, however it will not take much to get back to the conditions prior to the burn ban, so please keep in mind that we could put another burn ban on if needed. Please call Morenci City hall, Monday thru Thursday 8 am to 6 pm for a burn permit. Thank you Brad Lonis Fire Chief Morenci Fire Department
​On May 15, 2023, Morenci City Council approved the fiscal year 2023/2024 budget. The spending plan funds current operations of the City of Morenci and addresses some items discussed during the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year council goals session.  Highlights of the budget include:  Curbside brush and leaf pick-up: These will be completed by the City of Morenci’s DPW and will save the City of Morenci approximately $50,000 for the year. Police coverage: 9,200 hours of police coverage has been budgeted for the fiscal year. This allows for the continuation of 24/7 coverage if scheduling allows. Support for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Appropriations from all funds will help cover the cost of CDBG projects, along with revenue from a bond. The CDBG grant includes water lines, sanitary sewer lines and paving on Locust Street and Salisbury Street; the main sewage lift station, and new filter media for the iron removal filters at the water treatment plant. Continuation of Fire & EMS services at the same level currently provided. An additional $120,000 will be appropriated to Morenci Area EMS to cover operational costs. New sexton building will be completed at Oak Grove Cemetery. Roof replacement at Stair District Library Security upgrades at Morenci City Offices Tree trimming and planting Summer Recreation Program Park improvements Minor street repairs Water plant and sewage lagoon repairs Marijuana excise tax revenue is down approximately $25,000 due to the influx of licenses throughout the State of Michigan. The income from this tax is distributed to the general fund to cover expenses among all departments. Additionally, Morenci City Council approved a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for both the Water and Sewer services that will fund improvements for the next 20 years. This plan calls for set funding for capital outlay items each year, along with establishing annual rate increases to fund these two funds. Water and sewer rates will increase by 2.66 percent (based on water usage) for the fiscal year 2023/2024. This increase will total $2.46 per month for a family that uses 4,000 gallons of water.   Visit City Hall to view the fiscal year 2023/2024 approved budget. A utility billing rate increase chart is also available for reference on our website.
The July Board of Review for the City of Morenci will meet on Thursday, July  20, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. at City Hall, located at 118 Orchard Street, Morenci MI  49256.  The purpose of the meeting is to correct mutual mistakes of fact and  clerical errors.
​The Morenci Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at Morenci City Hall, 118 Orchard St., Morenci, MI 49256 to conduct regular business items for the month of June 2023.
​Morenci City Council will hold a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, located at 118 Orchard St. Morenci, MI.
​The City’s public works department has several updates that have recently been approved by City Council. These developments aim to improve various aspects of the community’s infrastructure and enhance the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.  At Oak Grove Cemetery, an investment of $9,100 was allocated for the purchase of reclaimed historic fencing and pillars. These new additions will replace the damaged sections from the storms as well as those that were recently stolen, while preserving the cemetery’s historical charm. The generous amount of fencing acquired will cover the full façade of Oak Grove Cemetery, including the Old Cemetery. Progress is being made on the restoration of the sexton building. Drawings are nearing completion, and once finalized, the work will be put out for bid. A temporary office, bathroom facilities, and essential utilities such as power and water have been provided until the restoration of the sexton building is complete.  Maintenance issues at Wakefield Park are also being addressed. Deteriorating steel doors have been ordered for replacement, and parking lots have been patched to ensure safe and accessible parking for visitors. Vandalism and damage to the men’s restroom that occurred in May caused a temporary closure, but repairs are underway to ensure full functionality in time for the upcoming Town & Country Festival. The playground surface will be updated this month as City Council recently approved the purchase of engineered wood fiber mulch costing $7,600. Two replacement slides at Wakefield Park were approved for purchase at the March and April City Council meetings, totaling $21,237, to replace those that have broken. They will be installed as they arrive in the coming months. These efforts align with the ongoing improvements made by Morenci Little League, who have repaired and added functioning scoreboards to the Kiwanis baseball field and softball field at the park.  Furthermore, in alignment with the Capital Improvement Plan, the public works department has received a like-new 2013 Vactor sewer truck, costing $250,000, which is covered by the Capital Improvement Bond. This replaces the outdated and non-functional 1986 model. This upgrade enables the city to proactively address issues related to the aging water and sewer infrastructure, ensuring efficient and reliable services for the community.  Morenci City Council also approved the $8,347 quote from Rock Hard Concrete at their May 15 meeting for the installation of a new ADA compliant crosswalk on W. Main St., just east of the bridge. City Administrator Brad Moran has ordered a light pole for the crosswalk at Page St. and E. Locust St. These additions will enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility.  The recent updates approved by City Council demonstrate their commitment to the City’s infrastructure and the well-being of its residents.
Morenci Town & Country Festival is June 15-17 at Wakefield Park
No burning will be permitted in the City of Morenci and the Townships of Seneca, Medina, and Chesterfield. No permits will be issued​. The burn ban will be lifted once significant rainfall occurs.
Morenci Monthly Newsletters are being mailed out in water bills this week. Our digital version, which contains additional updates, photos, and helpful links, was emailed to subscribers today. Read it here​.
Children ages 5 through 11 are invited to sign up for the City of Morenci Summer Recreation Program. Featuring fun days at Wakefield Park and local field trips, the program  runs 12:30-3:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, July 11 through August 17.
​The City of Morenci will be hydrant flushing Tuesday, June 13 through Thursday, June 15. Hydrant flushing will be performed by the Morenci Department of Public Works (DPW) starting between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. through the early parts of each morning.  The schedule for hydrant flushing is as follows:  Tuesday, June 13: West of Bean Creek   Wednesday, June 14: South of Main St.   Thursday, June 15: North of Main St.
In observance of Memorial Day, City of Morenci offices will be closed on Monday, May 29. Modern Waste Systems refuse pick-up is delayed to Thursday, June 1, due to the holiday.