Budget & Finance Committee Meeting

The Budget & Finance Committee met January 21, 2025, to consider an ordinance and several fiscal orders. The committee discussed Ordinance 2024-163 (amending Chapter 396 Special Events to establish a usage fee schedule and community use regulations); the Mayor provided an update on a January 17 stakeholders meeting, and members of the public raised concerns about language in the bill (including references to “maintenance”). After questions from councilors about implementation and monitoring, the committee voted 3-0 to return 2024-163 to the full City Council with a positive recommendation.

The committee also reviewed three budgetary actions from the Administration. For 2025-002 (authorize DPW to overspend the FY2025 snow and ice appropriation), DPW Director Joe Buckley noted it was likely the appropriation had been exceeded after recent storms; the committee voted 3-0 to return the order to the City Council with a positive recommendation. For 2025-003 (appropriate $145,193.52 from Water Retained Earnings to Water Other Expenses) Buckley described an emergency involving three failed water pumps and discussed future maintenance or backup options; the committee returned the order with a positive recommendation (3-0). Finally, for 2025-004 (transfer $1,615 from Youth Services Personal Services to Other Expenses), Chief of Staff Ann Marie Casey explained the funds would pay for leadership and safety training and that they were available due to a recent vacancy; the committee returned that order with a positive recommendation (3-0).