Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council held a virtual meeting to discuss the proposed FY2021 budget, which is now considered a placeholder due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on revenue. The council also addressed the city's response to COVID-19, implementing new restrictions and emphasizing the importance of physical distancing. Additionally, a resolution was approved to suspend utility disconnections for non-payment.
Key Decisions & Votes
Consent Docket (City Council)
02:20The consent docket, including a budget amendment reflecting an increase in use tax collections, was approved.
Emergency Order Amendment (COVID-19 Response)
34:30The Mayor announced an amended emergency order for Stillwater, effective 5 PM tomorrow, banning social gatherings of more than 10 people, closing beauty parlors, barber shops, health clubs, spas, tattoo parlors, and massage parlors, and mandating social distancing enforcement in retail stores.
Suspension of Utility Disconnections (City Council)
46:40Resolution CC 20-29 was approved, suspending disconnections of city-provided utility services for non-payment until further notice.
Consent Docket (Stillwater Utilities Authority)
48:50The consent docket for the Stillwater Utilities Authority, including budget amendments, was approved.
Suspension of Utility Disconnections (Stillwater Utilities Authority)
49:40Resolution SUA 20-1 was adopted, suspending disconnections of SUA-provided utility services for non-payment until further notice.
Financial Matters
FY2021 Proposed Operating Budget
The proposed budget was presented as a placeholder due to the uncertain economic impact of COVID-19. It was noted that the city's purchasing power has decreased significantly over the last six years, and sales tax revenues are expected to be significantly reduced.
Budget Amendment (Use Tax Collections)
A budget amendment reflecting an increase in use tax collections above budget was approved.
Health Insurance Costs
An increase in health insurance costs of $1 million is included in the budget, with potential for further increases.
Payroll Costs
An increase in payroll costs of $1.2 million is included in the budget, reflecting an increase of 19 positions.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Public hearing for budget: April 20th
- Budget adoption: May 18th
- State budget filing deadline: June 20th
Watch For
- Further evaluation of COVID-19 impact on the budget and potential adjustments
- Development of a Stillwater Community Foundation disaster relief fund
- Potential for a 'doomsday budget' scenario
Announcements
- The meeting was conducted by web conferencing due to COVID-19.
- United Way Payne County is a resource for help and donations related to COVID-19.
- Grand Lake Mental Health Center is open and taking clients.
- Childcare options are available for city, hospital, and first responder employees if needed, through collaboration with childcare centers, YMCA, and United Methodist Church.
- City staff is working with marketing to ensure COVID-19 information is translated into Spanish on the website and for the community.
- Stillwater Medical Center is preparing for a potential surge in COVID-19 cases, expanding ICU capacity, postponing elective surgeries, and exploring telehealth options.
- The Governor signed an order allowing OSU and OU to get involved in COVID-19 testing.
- The Mayor will be on a call with other mayors and the Governor tomorrow to discuss statewide response.
Agenda Summary
Consent Docket
Budget amendment reflecting an increase in use tax collections.
Discuss proposed operating budget for the fiscal year 2021
Presentation and discussion of the FY2021 budget, acknowledging it as a placeholder due to COVID-19 impacts.
Status of our fiscal year 2021 strategic plan
Update on the strategic plan, noting delays due to COVID-19 and the ongoing work with the Streeter Group.
Discuss the city of Stillwater's response to the COVID-19 virus
Discussion of local COVID-19 cases, community spread, and the Mayor's announcement of an amended emergency order with new restrictions.
Resolution suspending disconnection of city and SUA provided utility services for non-payment until further notice
Formal adoption of a resolution to suspend utility disconnections for non-payment.
Consent Docket (Stillwater Utilities Authority)
Budget amendments for the Stillwater Utilities Authority.
Resolution SUA 20-1: Resolution suspending disconnection of city SUA provided utility services for non-payment until further notice
Formal adoption of a resolution by the Stillwater Utilities Authority to suspend utility disconnections for non-payment.