May 3, 2022 City Council Meeting

TL;DR

The city council meeting focused on the introduction of the Fiscal Year 2023 budget proposal, which totals $1.836 billion, an 8.4% increase. Key discussions included significant investments in public safety with increased staffing for police and fire departments, enhanced officer wellness programs, and technological upgrades. The council also approved public hearing dates for further budget review and public comment.

Key Decisions & Votes

Setting Public Hearing Dates for FY2023 Budget

03:00

Resolution setting May 17 and May 31 for budget-related presentations and public comment, and June 7 for the formal public hearing and potential adoption of the proposed annual budget for Fiscal Year 2023.

Approved

Financial Matters

Total Proposed FY2023 Budget

An 8.4% increase over the current year, primarily driven by MAPS 4 program increases.

$1,836,100,000

General Fund Budget

An 11.4% increase over the current year, or 1.8% if the recent budget amendment is included, attributed to extraordinary sales tax growth.

$557,100,000

MAPS 4 Program Fund Increase

Significant increase driving the overall budget growth.

$131,600,000

Police Department Budget

Majority funded by the general fund (63%) and police sales tax fund (21%).

$259,000,000

Fire Department Budget Increase

A 6.82% increase from FY22 to FY23, supporting 1061 positions.

Fire Equipment Replacement

Fully funded from use tax proceeds for FY23, ensuring up-to-date vehicles and equipment.

$23,500,000

Police Equipment Replacement

Fully funded through temporary use tax funds for FY23.

Non-Departmental Budget for Task Force Recommendations

Allocated for implementing recommendations from the law enforcement, community policing, homelessness, and human rights task forces.

$2,400,000

First Americans Museum Support

An increase in support, in addition to $2 million from the Chickasaws for operations.

$1,000,000

Grants Management Fund

Budgeted for continued implementation of American Rescue Plan Act and Emergency Rental Assistance programs.

$58,000,000

COPO General Fund Support

Added to the FY23 budget to get closer to full general fund subsidy, partly due to higher fuel prices.

$2,000,000

Water Fund Chemical Costs

Increase due to higher prices for chemicals at water treatment plants.

$800,000

IT Software Systems Annual Cost

Increase in annual cost for software systems.

$1,300,000

Fire Station Bedroom Remodels

Allocated from the Capital Improvement Fund for renovations to improve sleeping quarters.

$1,300,000

Coming Up

Deadlines

20-day public comment period on the proposed budget begins today (May 3)
Budget-related presentations and public comment on May 17
Budget-related presentations and public comment on May 31
Formal city council public hearing on the proposed annual budget on June 7 (for consideration, discussion, and potential adoption/amendment/rejection/deferral)
988 Crisis Call Line to begin July 16

Watch For

Presentations from Parks, Development Services, Planning, Public Transportation & Parking on May 17
Presentations from Public Works, Utilities, and Airports on May 31
RFP for homeless outreach services to be released soon
Implementation plan for homelessness task force recommendations (with consultant)
Fuller picture of city manager's office proposals for homelessness outreach dollars
Timeline for Public Safety Training Center construction
Checklist and timeline for task force recommendations implementation (later this summer)
Fire Station 13 remodel (on 2017 bond, project in 2025)

Announcements

Rabbi O'Vedia Goldman of Chabad Community Center for Jewish Life and Learning provided the invocation.
Amelia Owens of Girl Scout Troop 3469 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The city's budget document is available on okc.gov/budget.
The city has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 34th year.
The Police Department's Medical Monitoring Unit was commended for saving lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Fire Department's recruitment efforts were commended for increasing diversity.

Agenda Summary

Resolution setting city council public hearing dates for budget related presentations and public comment on the proposed annual budget for fiscal year 2023 and setting June 7th as the formal city council public hearing on the proposed annual budget for fiscal year 2023 at which time the city council will consider and discuss the proposed budget and may adopt a budget as proposed or amend it reject it or defer it to a later hearing date and directing appropriate publication.

A resolution to establish specific dates for public engagement and formal review of the upcoming fiscal year's budget.