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The Muskegon city budget for 2014-15, approved by commissioners Tuesday, includes $225,000 for new playground equipment at Pere Marquette Park.

(MLive file photo)

MUSKEGON, MI -- Pere Marquette beach will receive a significant investment in new playground equipment that is included in the 2014-15 budget approved by city commissioners Tuesday night, June 10.

Over the past several years, the playground equipment has slowly been moving up the long list of capital improvement projects, said City Manager Frank Peterson. The 2014-15 budget includes $220,000 for new playground equipment that will be installed south of the beach house, Peterson said. Money will come from the city's public improvement fund and a park endowment fund at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County.

Commissioners unanimously adopted the $24.3 million budget, which does not include a community engagement specialist position that Peterson had proposed adding to his office. During their work session Monday, commissioners questioned the need for that type of staff member -- though not necessarily for help in Peterson's office -- and so Peterson said he decided to remove the recommendation. That does not mean he can't ask for the position later, he said.

The budget also does not include revenues from a potential special assessment for street lights. Commissioners agreed a special assessment wouldn't be necessary if they decide to seek -- and voters approve -- a dedicated street millage later this year.

In addition to the beach playground, $500,000 in capital improvement projects include new radios for the fire department, GIS mapping for cemetery grave sites, replacement of windows at city hall, upgrades for the Causeway Veterans Memorial Park and roof repair or replacement at fire station No. 4. They also include "force continuum equipment," also known as tasers, for the police department, but the city commission will have to make a policy decision on whether it wants officers to be armed with them.

Lynn Moore covers the city of Muskegon for MLive Muskegon Chronicle. Email her at lmoore8@mlive.com and follow her on Twitter and Facebook.