Meeting Summary
The city council meeting included the swearing-in of four council members for Wards 2, 5, 6, and 8. A resolution was passed to set public hearing dates for the FY24 budget. Presentations were given on the proposed FY24 budget, public transportation and parking, fire department, and police department, highlighting significant investments in public safety, infrastructure, and community services. Public comments focused on the fentanyl crisis, police staffing, and sidewalk maintenance.
Key Decisions & Votes
FY24 Budget Public Hearing Dates
27:00The city council approved a resolution setting May 16th and May 30th as public hearing dates for budget-related presentations and public comment on the proposed annual budget for fiscal year 2024, and June 6th as the formal city council public hearing.
Financial Matters
FY24 Total Budget
The total proposed budget for fiscal year 2024 is $1.9 billion, representing a 1.8% increase over the amended FY23 budget.
General Fund Increase
The general fund is proposed to increase by 5.9% over the current year budget.
Fire Department Equipment Replacements
Fully funded equipment replacements for the fire department, utilizing the use tax component of the temporary sales tax.
Fire Department SCBA Replacement
Additional funds for the replacement of self-contained breathing apparatus, bringing the total project cost to $4 million.
Fire Department Recruit Overage Program
Additional funds to support the recruit overage program, ensuring fully trained personnel are in place to fill vacant firefighter positions.
Police Department Real-Time Information Center Startup
Startup costs for the Real-Time Information Center, split between recurring software licensing and one-time equipment purchases.
Police Department Vehicle Replacement
Fully funded replacement costs for police vehicles, utilizing use tax funds.
Public Transportation & Parking (Coppa) Budget
The total Coppa budget is $61.5 million, with bus transit making up the largest portion, including $4 million for the Rapid BRT.
Public Transportation & Parking General Fund Contribution Increase
The general fund contribution to Coppa increased by 27%, including $2 million for BRT and $1.9 million to restore CARES Act revenue.
Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Funding
Additional funding for the work of the RTA, which is focusing on developing high-capacity transit lines.
General Services Capital Maintenance
Increase in Capital Improvements Project (CIP) funding for annual capital maintenance at city facilities, including HVAC, carpet, and fire alarm panel replacements.
IT Microsoft Licensing Placeholder
A placeholder for Microsoft licensing, with the contract currently under negotiation.
Non-Departmental General Fund for Task Force Recommendations
Funds allocated for task force recommendations related to law enforcement and homelessness efforts.
Homeless Outreach Services Funding
Funding for Planning's contract with the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma for homeless outreach services.
Grants Management Fund for ARPA and Emergency Rental Assistance
Funds added to the grants management fund for the continued implementation of ARPA and emergency rental assistance programs.
Public Comments
Four citizens provided comments. One shared a personal tragedy regarding the fentanyl crisis, urging support for police efforts against drug dealers. Another, representing the FOP, highlighted police staffing shortages and requested diligent work on contract negotiations to improve retention. Two others advocated for improved pedestrian infrastructure, specifically timely sidewalk repairs after utility work, and support for small businesses against legislative changes.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Public comment on the proposed FY24 budget opens today and runs for 20 days, closing on May 22nd.
- Public hearings for budget-related presentations and public comment are scheduled for May 16th and May 30th.
- The formal city council public hearing on the proposed annual budget for fiscal year 2024 is scheduled for June 6th.
- Budget adoption is scheduled for June 6th.
Watch For
- The Public Transportation and Parking Department plans to launch 'The Rapid' BRT service in the fall of this calendar year.
- The first phase of the OKC Moves bus study will be implemented in the upcoming budget year.
- The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) will be in a position to submit an application to the FTA requesting funding for commuter rail by approximately this time next year, contingent on a plan for local share and a dedicated funding source.
- Fire Station 38 in Southwest Oklahoma City is expected to open sometime this summer.
- The Fire Department aims to develop a 20-year master plan for deployment and support programs.
- The Fire Department plans to implement its EMS supplemental program, contingent on an updated agreement with EMSA and an ordinance change.
- The Fire Department will award a contract for the rebuild of Fire Station 31 and begin construction.
- The Fire Department plans to purchase land for Fire Station 10 and Fire Station 31 (2017 GO Bond projects).
- The Police Department's Real-Time Information Center (RTIC) system is expected to be mostly online by July 2023, with Hands-On testing and community outreach beginning. Phase one with one division will begin in August, expanding to all day shifts and some night shifts in September, with a goal for 24/7 operation by January 2025.
- The FOP will present contract proposals focused on recruiting and retention during upcoming negotiations with the city.
Announcements
- The meeting began with an invocation from Pastor Stephen Mulder of OKC Reformed Presbyterian Fellowship Church and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Cora Robinson representing Girl Scouts troop 538.
- The city council celebrated the swearing-in of four new and returning council members for Wards 2, 5, 6, and 8, noting the traditional City Hall pigs in a blanket were available.
- The Public Transportation and Parking Department was recently honored by the American Public Transit Association (APTA) with the 2023 AdWheel Award for best marketing and communications piece for Workforce Development, and a 2022 AdWheel Award for the 'Save the Seat' campaign.
- The Public Transportation and Parking Department also received the 2022 Best Project Award for the Convention Center Garage from the International Parking Institute and an Innovation Award for their Climberide program.
- The streetcar surpassed one million passenger trips in 2022.
- The Fire Department's whole blood program is one of only five in the U.S., having administered 16 units in 15 incidents to date.
- The Fire Department's OKTF-1 team was deployed to the recent tornado event in Shawnee.
- The Police Department's Youth Leadership Academy, run through FACT, had 32 participants who raised $42,105 for Positive Tomorrows.
- The Police Department's Tactical Unit received national recognition from Louisiana State University for their Laser (Law Enforcement Active Shooter Emergency Response) training program.
- The Police Department's crime lab attained a gold standard rating in Fall 2022 with NIBIN for processing evidence within two business days.
- The Police Department's drone program has been nationally recognized for its deployment and adherence to FAA guidelines.
- The Police Department is switching its accreditation from CALEA to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (OLEAP) to better align with state standards.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation from Pastor Stephen Mulder and Pledge of Allegiance led by Cora Robinson.
Oaths of Office for Council Members
James Cooper (Ward 2), Matt Hinkle (Ward 5), JoBeth Hammond (Ward 6), and Mark Stonecipher (Ward 8) were sworn into office.
Resolution setting public hearing dates for FY24 Budget
A resolution was presented to set public hearing dates for May 16th and May 30th for budget-related presentations and public comment, and June 6th for the formal public hearing on the proposed annual budget for fiscal year 2024.
Presentations and Discussion of FY24 Proposed Budget
Presentations were given by the Budget Director, Public Transportation and Parking Department, Fire Department, and Police Department on their proposed FY24 budgets, highlighting key changes, strategic results, and goals.