Meeting Summary
The City Council Finance Committee convened to review the proposed FY15 budget, totaling $1.1 billion. Presentations from the IT, Police, and Fire Departments detailed their respective budgets, strategic issues, and proposed staffing and operational changes. Key proposals included adding 21 sworn police positions, making several fire department positions permanent, and increasing IT operational funding, all aimed at enhancing public safety and city services.
Key Decisions & Votes
IT Department Staffing Additions
The IT department will add an inventory technician for Public Safety Support, an inventory technician for Administration, and an additional support position for the Departmental Systems Program.
IT Department Operational Funding Increase
Operational funding for annual contractual obligations and server/network/computing device replacement will increase by $600,000 each, shifting some capital expenses to operational.
Police Department Sworn Positions Increase
21 additional sworn positions will be added, including 7 for a day shift gang unit, 2 for vice enforcement, 4 for investigations, 1 for special investigations, 2 for a homeless outreach team, 1 for special events, 1 for a vehicle for hire unit, 1 for recruiting, and 1 Lieutenant to complete the Saturday to Saturday overlap.
Police Department Civilian Positions and Conversions
One computer forensic examiner position will be converted from grant-funded to general fund. A new latent fingerprint examiner position will be added. Four civilian investigating specialists and one Lieutenant will be added. The Assistant 911 Director position will transition from a police Lieutenant to a civilian. One victim services coordinator will be converted to a permanent position (still grant-funded for now).
Police Department Leads Online Program Funding
One database technician position will be deleted, and the salary savings will be used to fund the annual cost of the Leads Online program, resulting in a zero net cost.
Police Department Helicopter Fuel Budget Adjustment
The budget for helicopter fuel will be increased by $150,000 to a total of $188,000 to account for the higher fuel consumption of new helicopters and to budget the full cost upfront.
Fire Department Code Inspector and Plan Reviewer Positions
Two civilian code inspectors and one civilian plan reviewer positions will be made permanent to keep up with increased demand for construction permits and inspections.
Fire Department Engine 51 Staffing
Four firefighter positions will be added to keep Engine 51 in service at the headquarters station, addressing increased residential development and special events downtown, while also opening the new Station 26.
Fire Department Wellness Program Sergeant
A wellness program Sergeant position will be made permanent, returning a special assignment position to the field and providing full-time oversight for the health and wellness program.
Fire Department Facilities Assessment Funding
An additional $150,000 will be allocated to the fire sales tax fund for a fire facilities assessment, and $150,000 annually will be added to the facilities maintenance budget.
Fire Station 26 Construction Budget Removal
The $1.1 million construction budget for Fire Station 26, added last year, will be removed as the project is completed.
Upcoming Community Events
ODOT Public Meeting for Boulevard Update
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Cox Convention Center, second floor. Parking available at the Santa Fe garage.
Financial Matters
Overall City Budget FY15
The total proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, representing approximately a 3% increase over last year's adopted budget.
General Fund Budget FY15
The largest city fund, making up about 60% of the operating budget.
Other Operating Funds FY15
Funds dedicated to specific purposes like police/fire sales tax, 911, zoo sales tax, airports, utilities, and stormwater drainage.
Non-Operating Funds FY15
Funds primarily for capital activity, including MAPS 3 sales tax, Capital Improvement Projects, hotel/motel tax, debt service, and grants management.
Police Department Total Budget FY15
The proposed budget for the Police Department, an approximate 4.74% increase over last year.
Fire Department Total Budget FY15
The total proposed budget for the Fire Department across all funding sources.
Fire Department Administration Budget FY15
Proposed budget for Fire Department administration, a reduction from $14 million last year due to differences in chargebacks and risk management.
Project Live 5K Run Funds
Funds raised for the smoke alarm program to ensure residents have access to working smoke alarms.
Public Comments
Two citizens spoke. Michael Hinton praised the new Embark transit service routes and suggested demolishing and rebuilding aging fire stations. Joe Sars Nelson commended the Police and Fire Departments for their excellent work.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Plan for adding additional police officers (beyond 28 proposed)
- City Attorney's office to explore exemption from gross production taxes for oil/gas within city limits
- Fire Department's plan for upgrading Station 27 and 28 engines to Advanced Life Support (ALS)
Announcements
- Council Greenwell led the invocation, and Councilwoman Sawyer led the Pledge of Allegiance.
- The Supreme Court issued a ruling allowing municipalities to begin meetings with prayer.
- The EPA announced that the Waste Management landfill on 36th and Sooner was removed from the Superfund list.
- The City is participating in methane gas mining from waste facilities, which provides financial benefits, job creation, and fuel for trucks.
- A police officer from the community outreach program was a 'star of the show' at a walkability study at Hayes Elementary School.
- MAPS 3 sidewalks on South May are making good progress and are appreciated by residents.
- The Oklahoma City Fire Department is ranked number two nationally in Cardiac Arrest survival rate by the National Association of EMTs.
- Fire Station 26, the first of the 2007 General Obligation Bond projects, is expected to be operational around May 21st, with a grand opening planned for June.
- The Police Department's new headquarters began construction in January and is projected for completion in Fall 2015.
- The new Southwest briefing station (54th & Portland) is due to be completed this summer.
Agenda Summary
Budget Overview
Presentation of the overall FY15 budget, including general fund, operating, and non-operating funds, revenue sources, and expenditure by service area.
Information Technology Department Budget Presentation
Review of the IT department's mission, strategic issues, demand for services, operating expenditures, and proposed budget changes including new positions and funding increases.
Police Department Budget Presentation
Review of the Police Department's mission, strategic issues (demand for services, violent crime, technology, metal theft), results, and proposed budget changes including 21 new sworn positions and other staffing adjustments.
Fire Department Budget Presentation
Review of the Fire Department's mission, strategic issues (fire fatalities, service demand, facility condition), results, and proposed budget changes including new permanent positions and funding for facilities.
Discussion on increasing police officer numbers
Councilman McCurdy inquired about the plan to add 40 officers annually and the constraints preventing it, requesting an alternate plan for additional officers.
Discussion on upgrading Fire Department ALS capabilities at Stations 27 and 28
Councilmen White and Ryan advocated for upgrading engines at Stations 27 and 28 to Advanced Life Support (ALS) due to rural response times, despite existing criteria for upgrades.