Meeting Summary
The Finance Committee convened to review the proposed FY2018 budget, totaling $1.377 billion. Presentations were given by Public Works, Public Transportation and Parking, and Development Services departments, detailing their budgets, operational highlights, and future initiatives. Discussions included potential sales tax proposals for street improvements, transit service levels, and departmental efficiencies.
Upcoming Community Events
Household Hazardous Waste Special Collection
Rescheduled event at the Fairgrounds for special waste items like medications, ammunition, and tires.
Ride Your Bike to Work Day
Embark will promote the benefits of cycling and using bus bike racks.
Financial Matters
Overall Proposed Budget FY2018
The total proposed budget for the fiscal year 2018 across all funds.
General Fund Budget
The proposed budget for the general fund, noted as slightly down from the previous year.
Other Operating Funds Budget
The proposed budget for other operating funds, showing an increase.
MAPS 3 Sales Tax Fund Growth
Projected growth in the MAPS 3 sales tax fund, driving an increase in non-operating funds.
Street Maintenance Materials Funding
An increase in funding allocated for street maintenance materials.
Bus Parts Budget Reduction
A reduction in the budget for bus parts due to newer vehicles.
Transit Planning Division Consolidation Savings
Savings achieved by consolidating the transit planning division and eliminating two positions.
Customer Service and Office Assistant Position Eliminations
Savings from the elimination of a customer service representative and an office assistant position.
Downtown Discovery Fare Implementation
Proposal to implement a fare for the Downtown Discovery service, which is currently free.
Zone 2 ADA Paratransit Fare Increase
Proposal to increase the fare for Zone 2 ADA paratransit service.
Oklahoma City Streetcar Startup (FY18 Phase 1)
Funding allocated for the initial phase of the Oklahoma City streetcar startup for the fiscal year.
On-Street Parking System Modernization
Investment to convert the on-street parking system to a 'pay by plate' technology.
Development Services Operating Budget
The proposed operating budget for the Development Services department, which is 3.1% below last year's budget.
Residential Permitting Fees Increase
Proposed increase in residential permitting fees to fund insulation inspections.
Public Comments
One citizen, Michael Washington, expressed strong opposition to the streetcar project, deeming it a waste of taxpayer money that primarily benefits downtown interests, while neglecting critical needs in other areas like the northeast side. He highlighted the lack of Sunday bus service for essential community needs and questioned the streetcar's fare. Mr. Washington also advocated for redirecting funds to community development, education, and social programs, and called for attention to dilapidated properties and a youth center on the northeast side. He commended the animal welfare program.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Budget adoption is scheduled for June 13th.
Watch For
- IT, Police, and Fire budget presentations in two weeks.
- Airports, Parks, and Utilities budget presentations following IT, Police, and Fire.
- Further planning and potential proposals for the 2017 bond issue.
- Consideration of a potential sales tax proposal for street improvements.
- Discussions regarding the transition to electric vehicles for public transit.
- Progress on the UCO partnership for a small business incubator at the Santa Fe parking garage.
- Implementation of online permitting and automated code enforcement services.
- Improvements to the animal control response management system.
Announcements
- Citizens are encouraged to buy local from vendors and retailers.
- Oklahoma City was noted as the number one most dramatic city in the nation.
- Work is progressing on the Lantana apartments complex.
Agenda Summary
Budget Overview
Presentation of the overall proposed FY2018 budget, including general fund, operating funds, and MAPS 3 sales tax fund, as well as revenue and expenditure breakdowns.
Public Works Department Budget Presentation
Overview of the department's $47.3 million operating budget, 386 positions, major budget changes, and divisional responsibilities including engineering, project management, river, field services, stormwater quality, streets traffic and drainage, and traffic management.
Public Transportation and Parking Department Budget Presentation
Review of the department's $36.8 million total budget, strategic business planning, state of good repair initiatives for bus fleet and parking garages, workforce development, sustainable growth in service, community relations, and major budget changes including fare adjustments and parking system modernization.
Development Services Department Budget Presentation
Presentation of the department's $17.398 million operating budget, major changes including position eliminations and additions, and divisional operations for code enforcement, development center, animal welfare, and subdivision zoning, highlighting efficiency improvements and community impact.