Meeting Summary
The Finance Committee reviewed the city's proposed budget, totaling just under $1.028 billion. Presentations from Development Services, Information Technology, and the Police Department detailed their strategic initiatives, performance metrics, and budget adjustments. Key discussions focused on enhancing public safety through increased police presence, improving code enforcement and animal welfare services, and optimizing city-wide technology infrastructure.
Key Decisions & Votes
Funding for Jail Booking Time Reduction Program
The city will fund additional county personnel at $150,000 annually to reduce prisoner booking times from 41 minutes to 18 minutes, saving an estimated 9,400 officer hours per year.
Funding for Ambassador Program
The remaining half of the $300,000 annual cost for the Ambassador Program will be moved from grant funding to the general fund to ensure its continuation.
Addition of Police Officers and Lieutenants
The budget includes adding 37 officers and 3 lieutenants (total 40 positions) at a cost of approximately $2.8 million to enhance staffing for Saturday overlap shifts, aiming to address violent crime.
Funding for 2009 ARRA COPS Grant Positions
The city will pick up the fourth year of funding for seven officer positions previously supported by the 2009 ARRA COPS grant, specifically for the truancy and FACT programs.
Upcoming Community Events
Better Block at Farmer's Market
Organized by Allison Bailey and Kristen Vales, featuring striping, painting, pop-up shops, food trucks, and a restaurant inside Urban Agrarian Market.
Prom for Emerson School Students
Hosted by Debbie Martin and the Leadership Oklahoma City class at the Petroleum Club, with decorations provided by the Thunder and DJ services by EMSA. Gowns were selected from Youth Services.
Financial Matters
Total City Budget Overview
The total city budget for the upcoming fiscal year is just under $1.028 billion, comprising $400.8 million for the general fund, $259.7 million for other operating funds, and $414 million for non-operating funds.
Development Services Department Budget
The proposed budget for the Development Services Department is over $18 million, an 11% increase from the previous year, primarily due to IT chargebacks, risk management, and capital improvements.
IT Service Fund Operating Budget Increase
The IT Service Fund operating budget includes a 9.72% increase strictly for increased licensing and maintenance costs of technology.
Police Department Proposed Budget
The proposed budget for the Police Department is $197 million, representing a 6.5% increase from the previous year's $185 million.
Jail Booking Time Reduction Program Funding
The city will fund additional county personnel at an annual cost of $150,000 to reduce prisoner booking times, saving an estimated 9,400 officer hours per year.
Ambassador Program Funding
The remaining half of the $300,000 annual cost for the Ambassador Program will be moved from federal grant funding to the general fund to ensure its continuation.
New Police Officer and Lieutenant Positions
Approximately $2.8 million is allocated for adding 37 officers and 3 lieutenants (total 40 positions) to the police department to enhance staffing for Saturday overlap shifts.
2009 ARRA COPS Grant Positions Funding
The city will fund the fourth year of seven officer positions previously supported by the 2009 ARRA COPS grant, specifically for the truancy and FACT programs.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- June 4th: Public hearing for the budget.
- June 11th: Budget adoption.
- December 31st this year: Deadline for Development Services to address all construction inspection audit recommendations.
Watch For
- Future discussions on building code amendments from Development Services.
- An ordinance amendment regarding animal shelter fee increases.
- The launch of a data download site for GIS and other city data from the IT Department in the next month or two.
- The City Auditor will consider the State Auditor's recommendations for an audit of the police record system contract as part of the upcoming work plan for fiscal year ending June 2014.
- Construction of the new Police Headquarters building is expected to begin in October 2013, with completion by Fall 2015.
- Construction of the new Southwest Briefing Station is expected to begin in May 2013, with completion around June 2014.
- Potential sales tax proposal from the county to address jail issues.
- Future discussions on creating a Friday overlap for police staffing.
Announcements
- Allison Bailey and Kristen Vales were congratulated for organizing a successful Better Block event at the Farmer's Market.
- Debbie Martin and the Leadership Oklahoma City class were thanked for hosting a prom for Emerson School students at the Petroleum Club.
- The railroad was thanked for finally completing work on crossings at 10th, 9th, and 8th streets.
- Councilman Charles Epperly, Community Relations Officer for the Hefner Division, is retiring.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting began with an invocation by Councilman McAtee, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman White.
Call to Order City Council Meeting and Adjournment to Finance Committee
The City Council meeting was called to order and then immediately adjourned to reconvene as the Finance Committee.
Presentation of the Overview of the Budget
Doug Dollar provided a general overview of the city's budget, including adherence to state law and GFOA standards, total budget figures, revenue sources, and expenditure breakdowns by category and fund type. He also discussed the strategic planning process and department business plans.
Development Services Department Budget Presentation
Bob Tier presented the Development Services Department's budget, highlighting its mission, key staff, strategic issues (code enforcement, animal welfare, development review, public safety), performance measures, and major budget changes including staffing adjustments and capital improvements at the animal shelter.
Information Technology Group Budget Presentation
Shad Meldrum presented the Information Technology Department's budget, covering its mission, strategic issues (system security, demand, process improvements, funding, skill sets), budget growth, and breakdown across various lines of business such as customer support, application support, and public safety support.
Police Department Budget Presentation
Chief Bill Citty presented the Police Department's budget, discussing its mission, strategic issues (demand for police presence, violent crime, technology, metal thefts), performance results, and significant budget changes including funding for jail booking time reduction, the Ambassador program, and the addition of new officers. He also highlighted community programs like FACT and PAL, and updates on new facilities.
Reconvening City Council Meeting
The Finance Committee meeting was adjourned, and the City Council meeting was reconvened.
Items from Council
Council members provided updates and commendations on various community activities and city improvements.
City Manager Reports
The City Manager stated he had no reports for the day.
Citizens to be Heard
An opportunity was provided for citizens to address the council, but no one had signed up to speak.
Adjournment
The City Council meeting was adjourned.