Meeting Summary
The city council meeting primarily focused on the presentation and discussion of the proposed Fiscal Year 2020 budget, which totals $1.55 billion and includes a 4.4% increase in the general fund. Detailed budget presentations were given by the Police, Public Transportation and Parking, and Fire departments. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a heartfelt tribute for the retiring Police Chief Bill Citty.
Upcoming Community Events
1OKC Event
Arts Festival and Memorial Marathon
Contributed to strong streetcar ridership with over 6,800 trips.
Financial Matters
Overall City Budget (FY20 Proposed)
Total budget authorization for the city, including operating and non-operating funds.
General Fund Increase
Increase in the general fund, primarily due to growth in sales and use tax.
Other Operating Funds Increase
Increase in other operating funds, which have dedicated revenue sources.
Non-Operating Funds Decline
Significant decline primarily due to a reduction in the MAPS 3 sales tax fund as major projects are underway.
Police Department Proposed Budget
Total proposed budget for the Police Department, representing a 2.73% increase over last year.
Fire Department Proposed Budget
Total proposed budget for the Fire Department.
Public Transportation and Parking (CAPTA) Proposed Budget
Total combined budget for all parking and transportation services.
Fire Department Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program
Additional funding from the fire sales tax fund to replace approximately 500 sets of bunker gear and invest in contamination reduction efforts.
Fire Department Information Technology Budget Increase
Increased budget for fire information technology to address growing demands and improve technology within the department.
Holiday Bus Service Funding
Additional funding included in the proposed budget to provide bus service on six holidays.
Sunday Streetcar Service Funding
Funding to continue year-round Sunday streetcar service.
Homeless Alliance Contract Increase
Permanent contract increase with the Homeless Alliance for services.
Criminal Justice Task Force Funding
Permanent funding included for the Criminal Justice Task Force, previously paid from contingency.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- FY20 budget takes effect on July 1st.
Watch For
- Citizen survey to be conducted in the next month to month and a half.
- Introduction of the budget for advertising and setting public hearings next week.
- Additional departmental budget presentations on May 14th and May 28th.
- Final public hearing and budget adoption on June 4th.
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) construction to begin in 2021, with service anticipated for 2023.
- Convention Center Parking Garage demolition and site cleanup expected to be complete in June, with construction beginning in the fall and completion estimated concurrently with the Convention Center.
Announcements
- Recognition of the hard work and dedication of the budget office staff.
- A special tribute and farewell was given to Police Chief Bill Citty on his retirement, acknowledging his remarkable tenure and contributions to the city.
- The Planning Department will present its budget on May 28th, in addition to Utilities, Parks and Recreation, and Airports.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with an invocation by Councilman McAtee and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Greenwell.
Items from the Office of the Mayor
No items were presented from the Office of the Mayor.
Presentations and Discussion of FY20 Proposed Budget
The city manager introduced the FY20 proposed budget, followed by presentations from Doug Dowler on the budget overview and Russell Evans on the economic outlook. Departmental presentations were given by the Police, Public Transportation and Parking, and Fire departments.
Items from Council
Council members had an opportunity to share comments and questions.
City Manager Reports
The City Manager provided an update regarding future budget presentations.
Citizen Wishing to be Heard
No citizens signed up or wished to be heard during this session.