Meeting Summary
The city council meeting featured budget presentations from Development Services, Parks and Recreation, Public Transportation and Parking, and the Planning Department. Highlights included significant improvements in Development Services' inspection efficiency and Animal Welfare's live release rates, the successful launch and expansion of night bus service, and the Planning Department's ongoing efforts in urban revitalization and sustainable growth, including the upcoming adoption of Plan OKC. Discussions also covered potential budget adjustments for park maintenance and the progress of the Regional Transit Authority.
Upcoming Community Events
Dead Center Film Festival
Screening 120 films in four or five venues downtown.
Pretty West Show
At the National Cowboy Museum.
Women's College World Series championship
Held at the Softball Hall of Fame.
Financial Matters
Sales Tax Collections
Sales tax for the year came in within 0.07% of target. The projected growth rate for the next budget year is 2.35%, adjusted from an earlier 2.45% projection.
Development Services Operating Budget
The proposed operating budget is $18,651,000, representing a 2.9% increase over last year. A vacant senior customer service rep position was deleted.
Building Permit Revenue
Revenue from building permits is up over $1 million from last year, despite a decrease in the number of permits issued, due to larger projects.
Parks and Recreation Operating Budget
The suggested budget is $34,238,000, with the largest portion allocated to grounds management. The Civic Center budget is $3.5 million.
Parks and Recreation Non-Operating Budget
This budget includes partnerships for projects such as an indoor tennis facility, Sand Ridge Park, and an accessible trail at Martin Park.
Parks and Recreation Budget Changes
A customer service representative position at Will Rogers is being converted to full-time, funded by increased revenue. A Quality Control Coordinator for the Civic Center (IT position) is being added. The general fund will pick up the cost of a nursery worker previously paid through original MAPS funding.
Mowing Cost Estimates
Estimates for increasing mowing frequency: going from every three weeks to every week for 3,800 acres would cost $2.5 million, require 22 additional staff, and $1 million in capital. Changing to every two weeks would cost $707,000, require 7 staff, and $250,000 in capital. The cost per acre for maintenance is $45.
Public Transportation and Parking Combined Operating Budget
The total combined operating budget for the department is $38.7 million, with 75% supporting Transit operations and 25% for Parking.
Transit Funding Sources
The total transit budget is $29.5 million, primarily supported by the city's general fund (59%), federal grants (25%), state funding (3%), and fares (11%). Federal and state funding has remained stagnant.
Parking Funding Sources
The total parking budget is $8.2 million, with the majority of revenue from monthly parkers (66%), event parking (21%), and daily parkers (12%). No general fund dollars are involved.
Public Transportation and Parking Budget Changes
The budget includes $328,000 for Regional Transit Dialogues, $250,000 for night service expansion, a budget transfer for Bike Share, and funding for a new System Support Specialist (IT position). The fuel budget was reduced by $500,000 due to declining diesel prices.
Santa Fe Garage Elevator Replacement
A project to replace all four elevators in the Santa Fe garage is estimated to cost approximately $1 million. Phase one (two south elevators) is expected to be completed in about four weeks.
Sheridan Walker Garage Rehabilitation
A project for concrete rehabilitation and weatherproofing at the Sheridan Walker garage was completed at a cost of approximately $400,000.
Planning Department General Fund Budget
The general fund budget is about $3.9 million. A 1% cut was achieved by reducing Professional Services, office supplies, and furniture without programmatic impacts. The Office of Sustainability budget has been integrated.
Planning Department Federal Program Budget
The federal program budget is about $28.8 million, consisting of entitlement and competitive grants, and Disaster Recovery Grant funds. This funding has been declining over time, with CDBG decreasing by 1.1% and the HOME program by 9% this year.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Animal shelter Capital Improvements project is expected to be completed by winter of this year or early next year.
- Plan OKC, the citywide comprehensive plan, is scheduled for Council adoption on June 23rd and Planning Commission adoption this Thursday.
- Development impact fees are expected to be presented to the Council in the next few months.
Watch For
- Potential budget amendment for increased park mowing, possibly around $200,000.
- Further analysis and development of CNG buses for the transit fleet.
- Development of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) organization and funding for system planning.
- Public Art Master Plan, Sustainability Plan, Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan, Complete Streets Policy, and Downtown Street Design Manual are all expected next year from the Planning Department.
- A collaborative study around Lake Hefner for recreational uses, involving ACOG and utilities.
- An update to the Parks Department's trails master plan.
Announcements
- The city's sales tax collections for the year came in within 0.07% of the target.
- Development Services reported that 91-92% of construction inspections are now completed in one day.
- Animal Welfare's live release rate increased by over 10% from the previous year.
- Public Transportation and Parking successfully launched a night bus service pilot program in January, which is showing growing ridership.
- National Transit Driver Appreciation Day was celebrated on March 18th.
- The collaborative group 'The Voice' is reactivating discussions and a public awareness campaign regarding panhandling issues.
- The Dead Center Film Festival is scheduled to kick off tomorrow.
- The Pretty West Show is currently being held at the National Cowboy Museum.
- The Women's College World Series championship was successfully hosted at the Softball Hall of Fame last week.
- Councilman Greenwell extended thanks to staff for the informative budget overview and their cooperative efforts.
Agenda Summary
Development Services Budget Presentation
Presentation of the department's budget, operations, and accomplishments in code enforcement, development center, animal welfare, and zoning.
Parks and Recreation Budget Presentation
Overview of the department's budget, services, and strategic initiatives, including discussions on park maintenance and the city's ranking in park accessibility.
Public Transportation and Parking Budget Presentation
Review of FY15 achievements, strategic issues, ridership data, and proposed FY16 budget changes, including the expansion of night bus service.
Planning Department Budget Presentation
Discussion of the department's structure, budget, and initiatives in community development, urban revitalization, and sustainable growth.