Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting focused primarily on the proposed Fiscal Year 20 budget, which totals $1.55 billion and includes a 4.4% increase in the general fund. Presentations from the City Manager's office, Police, Public Transportation, and Fire Departments detailed budget allocations, staffing changes, and strategic goals. The meeting also included a special recognition for outgoing Police Chief Bill Citty.
Upcoming Community Events
One OKC event
Public Transportation will participate.
Arts Festival
Public Transportation provided over 6,800 passenger trips.
Memorial Marathon
Public Transportation provided over 6,800 passenger trips.
Financial Matters
Overall City Budget
The total proposed budget for the city.
General Fund
The general fund is projected to increase by 4.4% primarily due to growth in sales and use tax.
Other Operating Funds
These funds are up 3.1% and have dedicated sources of revenue for specific operations.
Non-Operating Funds
These funds are down 5.7% primarily due to a decline in the MAPS 3 sales tax fund as major projects are underway and money is being spent down.
MAPS 3 Sales Tax Fund
A significant decline of $132 million as funds saved for projects are now being spent.
Homeless Alliance Contract
Funding for the contract with the Homeless Alliance has been made permanent.
Police Department Budget
The total proposed budget for the Police Department, representing a 2.73% increase over last year.
Police Personnel Related Costs Increase
Increase in costs for salaries, merit, retirement, and health benefits for police personnel.
Public Transportation and Parking (COTPA) Total Budget
The combined proposed budget for all parking and transportation services.
Public Transportation City General Fund Support
The portion of the transit budget supported by the city's general fund.
Public Transportation Federal Grants
Revenue from federal grants supporting transit operations.
Public Transportation Fare Revenue
Revenue collected from passenger fares.
Public Transportation State Revenue
State funding for transit operations, which has remained flat.
Holiday Bus Service Funding
Additional funding allocated for providing bus service on six major holidays.
Sunday Streetcar Service Continuation Funding
Funding to continue Sunday streetcar service year-round.
Fire Department Budget
The total proposed budget for the Fire Department.
Fire Department Personnel Related Costs Increase
Increase in costs for salaries, merit, retirement, and insurance for fire department personnel.
Fire Department PPE Program
Funding from the fire sales tax fund to cover the personal protective equipment (bunker gear) replacement program and decontamination reduction efforts.
Fire Department IT Budget Increase
Increased budget for fire information technology to improve technology within the department.
Fire Department General Fund for Facility Needs
Allocated funding from the general fund for repairs and maintenance of fire facilities.
Fire Department Sales Tax for Facility Needs
Allocated funding from sales tax for additional fire facility needs.
Fire Department for New Facilities/Large Remodels
Funding allocated for the building of new fire facilities or large remodels.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- June 4th: Final public hearing and budget adoption.
- July 1st: Budget takes effect.
- By end of 2020: Police Department aims to fill all 129 added positions.
- By 2021: Fire Department needs to identify a continuing funding stream for capital (apparatus/facilities) as Better Streets Safer City use tax funds expire.
- 2023: Bus Rapid Transit service anticipated.
Watch For
- Citizen survey results (expected in the next month to month and a half).
- Federal Reserve's survey on household economics and decision making update (expected mid-May).
- FDIC national survey on unbanked and underbanked households (to be conducted in June 2019, results expected November).
- Economic conditions are expected to moderate late summer to early fall.
- Future budget presentations from Utilities, Parks & Recreation, Airports, and Planning Departments (May 14th and May 28th).
- Preliminary recommendations from the downtown parking study (expected end of summer).
- Convention Center parking garage construction (expected to begin in Fall).
Announcements
- Chief Bill Citty's final week as Police Chief was recognized, with council members commending his 41 years of service, 15 as chief, and his remarkable leadership and community engagement.
- The City received its 31st Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
- The Planning Department will present its budget on May 28th.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with an invocation by Councilman McAtee and the Pledge of Allegiance by Councilman Greenwell.
Items from the Office of the Mayor
No items were presented from the Office of the Mayor.
FY 20 Proposed Budget Overview
Presentation by Doug Dowell on the overall city budget, general fund growth, position changes, and the budget process, highlighting the 31st GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
Economic Outlook Update
Presentation by Russell Evans on household savings, access to benefits, and Oklahoma City's population and economic growth in a regional context, noting the city's position as the 'slowest growing city in Texas' within the fast-growth I-35 corridor.
Police Department Budget Presentation
Presentation by Chief Bill Citty on the Police Department's FY20 budget, staffing, crime statistics, and new initiatives including the new Record Management System and Active Shooter Rescue Teams.
Public Transportation and Parking Budget Presentation
Presentation by Jason Fairbrush on Embark's FY20 budget, service improvements like Sunday bus and streetcar service, ridership data, and strategic goals including the Bus Rapid Transit project.
Fire Department Budget Presentation
Presentation by Chief Kelly on the Fire Department's FY20 budget, staffing, response times, and fire prevention efforts, including a significant increase in smoke alarm installations.
Items from Council
Councilwoman Nice commented on the importance of diversity in city leadership and upper management.
City Manager Reports
City Manager clarified that the Planning Department will present on May 28th.
Citizen Wishing to Be Heard
No citizens signed up to speak.