Meeting Summary
The City Council introduced the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, which projects over $2 billion, marking a new high watermark despite general fund contractions. Key presentations from the Fire and Police Departments outlined new initiatives, including the Fire Department's Mobile Integrated Health Program and the Police Department's efforts in officer wellness and crime reduction. Public comments primarily focused on reallocating funds from policing to community-based services.
Key Decisions & Votes
FY2025 Budget Public Hearings
02:50A resolution was passed to formally set the public hearing dates for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, with adoption scheduled for June 4th.
Upcoming Community Events
PAL Youth Business Academy
An entrepreneurial program for at-risk youth (5th-12th grade) partnered with KidV Global, culminating in a 'Shark Tank'-style pitch to business leaders.
Financial Matters
Overall City Budget
The proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget reaches a new high watermark of over $2 billion.
General Fund and Other Operating Funds
These funds are projected to contract, with a 0.3% reduction in the general fund and a 4% reduction in other operating funds.
Non-Operating Funds (MAPS 3, MAPS 4, Better Streets Safer Cities)
These capital-related funds are growing by 8%, primarily driven by the MAPS 4 program.
Sales and Use Tax Growth
Projected at 1.5% for the next fiscal year, which is less than half of the historical 3% average growth.
Fire Department Personnel Costs
A rollup cost increase to maintain the same service level due to salaries, merit, and retirement adjustments.
Fire Department Mobile Integrated Health Program
Funding for 20 new civilian staff for crisis response and call diversion, split-funded by Task Force Reserves and opioid settlement funds.
Fire Department Public Safety Sales Tax
Increase in funding to address Emergency Medical Technician training and support a robust UAV program.
Fire Department Dispatch
Increased funding to add three fire senior dispatchers to address rising call volume and technology demands.
Police Department E911 Subsidy Reduction
A decrease in the general fund subsidy to 911 Communications due to increased revenue from cell phone and landline fees as a result of the Hayden Fleming Memorial Act.
Public Works Asphalt Material Budget
A reduction in the budget for asphalt materials.
EMBARK General Fund Budget
An increase in EMBARK's overall general fund budget to support operations.
Utilities Operating Funds
Operating funds moved from the City's operating budget to the Utilities Trust for consolidation of expenditures.
Parks Department Weekend Cleaning Services
Cost savings achieved by removing weekend cleaning services at reservable pavilions.
General Services CIP Funding
Routine transfer to fund Building Maintenance and Fleet purchases.
IT Department Contractual Increases
Funding allocated for increases in multi-year contracts, such as Microsoft licensing.
Task Force Recommendations Reserve
Remaining funds reserved for task force recommendations on policing and homelessness, with half already directed to the Fire Department's crisis response program.
MAPS 4 Program Budget
Significant increase as the program's projects begin to ramp up.
Grants Management Fund
Funds for continued implementation of ARPA and the Emergency Rental Assistance 2 program.
Baby Box Installation Cost
Estimated cost for installing a baby box in a fire station, with the box itself often donated.
Public Comments
Three citizens spoke, expressing concerns about the police department's budget, accountability, and effectiveness. They advocated for reallocating funds towards community-based prevention programs, affordable housing, mental health treatment, and public transportation. Speakers also voiced skepticism about the city's responsiveness to citizen input and called for a more participatory budgeting process.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Budget adoption scheduled for June 4th.
Watch For
- Additional budget hearings on May 14th and May 28th.
- Further updates from the Vision Zero committee regarding traffic fatalities.
- Engagement efforts for the upcoming Geo Bond.
Announcements
- Invocation led by Pastor Jack Terell wils from Lakeside United Methodist Church.
- Pledge of Allegiance led by Grace and Julia keg representing Girl Scout Troop 393.
- Deputy Chief Harold Thompson, Fire Marshal, is retiring in June; Battalion Chief Dominic Brown will step into his role.
- Chief Gurley's budget presentation was his last before retirement.
- A new public feedback platform, vision.okc.gov/budgetfeedback, has been launched today for year-round citizen engagement on city matters, including the budget.
Agenda Summary
Resolution to Set Public Hearings for the FY2025 Budget
Introduction of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and establishment of public hearing dates for budget review and adoption.
Budget Presentation Overview
An overview of the proposed FY2025 budget, highlighting revenue projections, expenditure categories, and departmental adjustments, including a new $2 billion high watermark and general fund contractions.
Fire Department Budget Presentation
Presentation of the Fire Department's FY2025 budget, detailing personnel costs, the new Mobile Integrated Health Program with 20 civilian positions, and additions to fire dispatchers.
Police Department Budget Presentation
Presentation of the Police Department's FY2025 budget, covering staffing, wellness initiatives, crime reduction strategies, and new programs like the Desk Officer Reporting System and a specialized vehicle storage facility.
Citizens to be Heard
Opportunity for citizens to address the council on matters related to the budget and city services.