May 9, 2025 City Council Meeting

Funding of approximately $1 million for the senior center renovation was included in the budget, transferred from the general fund balance to modernize the facility and ensure ADA compliance.

Funding of $500,000 for the maintenance of the Real-Time Crime Center was included in the budget, supporting 50 cameras across the city and 11 in parks and trails to enhance public safety.

Purchases of a rescue vehicle, a Polaris Ranger for off-road patrol, and electric bikes for trail patrol were included in the police capitalization budget to improve response capabilities and patrol efficiency.

An additional $200,000 was added to the budget for the Spirit Playground, bringing the total to $950,000 for the replacement of the regional park playground.

The budget includes funding for Phase 3 of Mid America Park, which is the basketball court, with an opening event scheduled.

The council expressed strong support for moving forward with the $10 million MAC completion project, with funding identified from various sources, and requested staff to prepare the agenda item for the next council meeting.

The council expressed support for exploring an election to raise the hotel motel tax, with the potential to generate an additional $450,000-$500,000 annually for parks and recreation, as Midwest City's rate is currently lower than comparable cities.

The council previously approved continuing the sewer plant bill, with the funds now dedicated primarily to east side and other city sewer infrastructure improvements after the plant was paid off.

The budget includes $972,000 in available grants, a record amount, for various city projects.

Overall Budget Expenditures

Total projected expenditures for the city, including interfund transfers.

General Fund Operating Budget

Projected operating budget for the general fund.

Police Department (General Fund Allocation)

Allocation from the general fund for the police department.

Fire Department (General Fund Allocation)

Allocation from the general fund for the fire department.

Senior Center Renovation

Funding allocated for the upgrade and modernization of the senior center, transferred from the general fund balance.

Embark Route 15 Subsidy

Increased cost for the public transportation route, with $150,000 covered by street tax and the remainder from the general fund.

OML Dues

Annual dues paid to the Oklahoma Municipal League.

Technology Fund Software/Hardware Maintenance

Annual costs for maintaining various software and hardware systems across the city.

Street Light Fee Deficit

Projected deficit in the street light fee fund due to rising OG&E costs.

Real-Time Crime Center Maintenance

Funding for the maintenance of the new real-time crime center, including 50 cameras across the city and 11 in parks/trails.

Spirit Playground Funding

Additional funding allocated for the replacement of the regional park playground, bringing the total to $950,000.

Emergency Operations Overtime

High overtime costs in the emergency operations department due to staffing shortages.

Public Works Administration Budget Increase

Increase in budget due to the transfer of engineering personnel from community development.

MAC Completion Project

Total estimated cost for the completion of the Mid-America Christian University (MAC) fields, funded from various sources.

Available Grants (Fund 429)

Total amount of grants available, including carryover from the previous year.

Hospital Authority Discretionary Fund (Principal)

Current principal balance of the Hospital Authority Discretionary Fund.

Sanitation Special Pickup Fee

Current fee for special curbside pickups, noted as being too low and undercutting the private sector.

Paint Crusher

Purchase of equipment to facilitate the processing of household paint at the hazardous waste facility.

General Government Sales Tax (Fund 009)

Discussion on budget allocation, succession planning for city management, and the OML lawsuit involving a senior staff member.

General Fund Operating Budgets (Fund 010)

Overview of general fund operations, including increases for the street department and reorganization of community development personnel.

Animal Welfare (Fund 012)

Budget discussion including increased funding for vaccinations and animal food, and credit card fees.

Neighborhoods in Action

Discussion on funding for the after-school tutoring program and seeking a hospital grant.

Swimming Pool (Fund 019)

Discussion on revenue transfer to Fund 123 and the status of pool resurfacing for opening.

Street and Alley (Fund 013)

Review of funding sources from gasoline excise tax and commercial vehicle taxes, and allocation for street projects.

Technology Fund (Fund 036)

Discussion on revenue from traffic tickets, software/hardware maintenance costs, Laserfiche system, and police/fire radio issues.

Street Light Fee (Fund 039)

Review of the street light fee, its deficit, and the annual cost paid to OG&E.

Hospital Authority Grants/Donations (Fund 039)

Discussion on various projects funded by donations and grants, including Operation Paintbrush and Christmas baskets.

Police Department (Fund 011)

Budget overview, including revenue, expenditures, and ongoing negotiations.

Police Capitalization (Fund 021)

Discussion on capital outlay for the Real-Time Crime Center, a rescue vehicle, Polaris Ranger, and electric bikes.

Juvenile Fund (Fund 014)

Review of the juvenile officer program, its integration with school resource officers, and funding from juvenile tickets.

Police State Seizure Funds (Fund 015)

Discussion on use of funds for drug enforcement gear and training.

Police Special Projects (Fund 016)

Review of the 'Shop with a Cop' program funding.

Employee Activities Fund (Fund 017)

Discussion on funding for city employee events like Christmas parties and swim parties.

Jail (Fund 018)

Review of jail revenue, including the county walkthrough program, and expenditures.

Impound Fees (Fund 020)

Discussion on lab testing and training fees.

Fire Department (Fund 050)

Budget overview, including revenue, expenditures, and apparatus recapitalization.

Fire Capitalization (Fund 054)

Discussion on capital requests for new equipment and the P25 radio system site.

Welcome Center (Fund 055)

Review of funding from hotel motel tax and the new Community Engagement Manager position.

Convention and Visitors Bureau (Fund 046)

Discussion on hotel motel tax funding and the upcoming retirement of Susan McCory.

Capital Drainage (Fund 060)

Discussion on underfunded drainage projects, the need for a comprehensive plan, and issues with new developments.

Street Tax (Fund 065)

Review of funding for streets, parks, trails, sidewalks, and public transportation, including the Spirit Playground project.

Emergency Operations (Fund 070)

Discussion on funding from cell phone taxes and SSM contract, and the need for a communication specialist to reduce overtime.

Public Works Administration (Fund 075)

Review of budget increase due to the transfer of engineering personnel and the potential merger of drainage and stormwater departments.

Fleet Services (Fund 076)

Discussion on cost distribution, the surplus property program, and future plans for a covered area.

Activity Fund (Fund 077)

Review of revenue from gate fees, rentals, sponsorships, and contracts with Midell Group Home.

Parks and Recreation (Fund 123)

Discussion on funding sources, pool opening, Mid America Park, Tom Core footbridge, and a proposal for a native garden.

CDBG (Fund 080)

Review of the Community Development Block Grant budget and the senior medical program.

Grants and Housing (Fund 081)

Discussion on transitional housing projects and partnership with Leah's Hope.

Capital Improvements (Fund 157)

Review of various capital projects, including Air Depot corridor, drainage infrastructure repairs, and hotel capital improvements.

Capital Water Improvements (Fund 172)

Discussion on funding for water treatment plant stair replacement, water well rehab, and a new water tower out east.

Water System Improvements Debt Service (Fund 178)

Review of debt service for water system improvements, including generators and water loop extensions.

Sewer Backup (Fund 180)

Discussion on the sewer backup fee and its use for claims.

Sewer Construction (Fund 181)

Review of funds for east side development, lift station renovations, and media issues at the sewer plant.

Utility Services (Fund 185)

Budget overview for utility services.

Capital Sewer Strothman (Fund 188)

Discussion on projects like Soldier Creek Aerial Crossing and root control.

Utility Capital Outlay (Fund 189)

Review of funds for the Sooner Town Center loan and Dick's Sporting Goods reconstruction.

Sanitation (Fund 190)

Discussion on special pickups, quarterly bulk pickup, potential ordinance review for fines, and the upcoming recycling contract.

Water (Fund 191)

Review of water fund balance, master study, water rates, and AMI system recapitalization.

Sewer (Fund 192)

Budget overview for sewer services.

Midwest City Utilities Authority (Fund 193)

Discussion on the Soldier Creek Industrial Park, tiff revenue, and rail spurs.

Downtown Development (Fund 194)

Review of funds related to the sewer line to Douglas.

Hotel Conference Center (Fund 195)

Discussion on hotel performance, conference center subsidy, and FFN reserve requirements.

FFN Reserve (Fund 196)

Review of funds held in reserve as required by Marriott franchise agreement.

Golf (Fund 197)

Review of golf course financial performance.

Urban Renewal (Fund 201)

Discussion on rent from Taco Bell and Raising Canes, and the Sunrise Project (Heritage Park Mall).

Risk Management (Fund 202)

Review of the self-insured liability program, fund balance, and claims reserves.

Workers Comp (Fund 203)

Review of the self-insured workers' compensation program, fund balance, and claims reserves.

Animals Best Friend (Fund 204)

Discussion on incinerator resurfacing, power washer purchase, and future planning for animal welfare center expansion.

Capital Improvement Bonds (Funds 269, 270, 271, 272)

Review of various bond projects and their funding tranches.

Disaster Relief (Fund 310)

Discussion on the fund balance and its use for disaster cleanup and reimbursement.

Sales Tax Capital Improvements (Fund 350)

Review of pass-through money for capital improvements.

Sooner Rose Tiff (Fund 352)

Discussion on the financial status of the Tiff, debt service, and fund balance.

Economic Development Authority (Fund 353)

Review of rent money from Sooner Town Center and its allocation for economic development projects and business retention.

Hospital Authority Discretionary (Fund 4259010)

Discussion on funding for the hospital district, YMCA, community grants, and the MAC completion project.

Hospital Authority Discretionary (Fund 425950)

Review of funds for economic development purposes, including the Sunrise project, Carburetor Alley, C Sentinel, and MAC completion.

Grants (Fund 429)

Review of available grant money for various projects.

Customer Deposits (Fund 426)

No review needed.

Court Bonds (Fund 427)

No review needed.

LNH (Fund 428)

Discussion on the self-insured health insurance program, costs, and consultant fees.