Meeting Summary
The city council held its final budget presentation meeting for FY24, featuring detailed reports from Public Works, Utilities, and Airports departments. No votes were taken. Public Works highlighted improved technical review times and ongoing infrastructure projects. Utilities discussed managing significant cost increases and system growth while prioritizing customer service and employee development. Airports reported a strong recovery in passenger numbers and plans for international flight capabilities. Public comments focused on supporting the city's strategy to address homelessness.
Financial Matters
Public Works FY24 Operating Budget
Proposed operating expenditure budget for the Public Works Department.
Public Works FY24 Total Budget
Total proposed budget for the Public Works Department, including operating and non-operating expenditures.
Better Street Safer City Sales Tax Program
Funds allocated for the ongoing Better Street Safer City sales tax program, which is winding down.
Utilities FY24 Proposed Budget
Total proposed budget for the Utilities Department.
Utilities Electricity Costs
Annual increase in electricity costs for the Utilities Department, primarily due to OG&E rate increases.
Utilities Chlorine Costs
Significant increase in the cost of chlorine for water treatment.
Atoka Pipeline Project
Allocation for the ongoing Atoka pipeline project, which will satisfy water demands through 2060.
Hefner-Draper Interconnect Project
Allocation for connecting the Hefner and Draper water treatment plants for system redundancy.
Neighborhood Small Line Replacement Projects
Allocation for systematically replacing old water and sewer lines throughout the city.
Utilities Facility Improvements
Allocation for improvements to aging Utilities Department facilities.
Overholser Dam Phase 1
Allocation for the design phase of structural improvements to the Overholser Dam.
Airports FY24 Revenue
Projected revenue for the Airports Department, reflecting recovery in parking, concessions, and landing fees.
Airports FY24 Capital Program
Total capital program for the Airports Department, significantly increased due to federal FAA funds.
Public Comments
Three representatives from the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of Realtors (OKCMAR) expressed strong support for the city council's proposed budget and strategy to address homelessness. They highlighted that 64% of their 2,400 members identified homelessness as the most important policy issue. Speakers emphasized the critical role of housing, the impact of the housing crisis, and the potential of public-private partnerships to house the chronically homeless. Suggestions included re-utilizing commercial structures for housing and increasing funding for homelessness initiatives.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- FY24 Budget adoption on June 6th
- Additional budget comments to be emailed by June 4th
- Tinker Air Force Base 60-inch water main relocation by end of 2026
- Atoka pipeline completion by end of 2028
- Federal Inspection Station (FIS) to open early 2025
Watch For
- Public outreach for the next bond issue (expected 2024, election 2025)
- Discussions on increasing the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) average to 85
- Incorporating safety into stormwater public outreach programs
- Development of a map for LED street light conversions
- Efforts to integrate more diverse local businesses into airport concessions
Announcements
- Invocation by Pastor Thomas Brewer, Chaplain with the Oklahoma City Police Department
- Pledge of Allegiance led by Braylee Dry, Girl Scouts troop 3463
- Public Works departmental newsletter launched to improve internal communication
- TSA Canine Program returning to Will Rogers World Airport for passenger and baggage screening
- Blue Lightning Initiative (human trafficking awareness program) implemented at the airport
- Matt Goad's art installation at Will Rogers World Airport commended
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
FY 24 Proposed Budget Presentations (Public Works, Utilities, Airports)
Final budget presentations for the upcoming fiscal year from the Public Works, Utilities, and Airports departments, detailing operational plans, capital projects, and financial outlooks.
Public Comments
Residents provided input on city matters, primarily focusing on the proposed budget's approach to addressing homelessness and related community issues.