• The Niles City Council approved the Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service budget Monday night. Along with it, there is a special assessment of $20 per parcel to support the service. Property owners in the area SMCAS serves will pay the levy.

• The council approved a contract with the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, committing the city to bring 36 musical performances to Riverfont Park for its annual summer concert series. The city received a $3,000 grant from the arts council, $500 less than what was requested. Community Development Director Juan Ganum said because the city received less funding than expected from the arts council, it will have to raise more money through sponsors and advertising or eliminate a few concerts this season. The summer concert series is slated to begin June 3.

• The city council also approved City Administrator Terry Eull’s recommendation of hiring J.W. Rossow as the new utilities manager effective May 1 when current manager Jim Lehmkuhl retires. Rossow grew up in Niles and was a Brandywine graduate and a Navy veteran.