Meeting Summary
Financial Matters 💰
The City Council held a public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget, presented by Ashley. The budget was developed using conservative financial estimates, including an anticipated 12% reduction in sales tax revenue across all funds. Overall budgetary increases were limited to less than two percent year-on-year.
Key highlights from the proposed budget for major funds include:
- General Fund:
- Estimated Revenue: $23,185,766
- Estimated Expenditures: $23,160,251
- Major expenditures are concentrated in public safety (police patrol, fire suppression, CID), streets, parks, and planning.
- The budget includes 218.5 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions, an increase of three, which includes an IT Director and two additional Police Officers.
- Significant investments in community cleanup, with a 50% increase in the demolition budget and more than doubling the nuisance remediation budget.
- Continues merit increases and provides for incentive pay for employees.
- Shawnee Municipal Authority (SMA):
- Estimated Revenue: $20,216,871
- Estimated Expenditures: $20,215,636
- The largest expenditure is utility administration, primarily due to an engineering contract for the wastewater treatment plant.
- Prepares for future infrastructure needs, including the completion of the AMI project and the start of rebuilding water and wastewater treatment plants.
- Funds maintenance of current assets, including goon cleanings, water main breaks, and pipe busting.
- Includes improvements for the lake, such as new bathrooms, tables, play equipment, and buoys.
- Capital Improvement Fund:
- Estimated Revenue: $2,266,227
- Estimated Expenditures: $2,142,717
- Allocates funds for additional ballistic vests and protective equipment for the Police Department and props for the Fire Department's new training center.
- Increases security at parks and the lake through the installation of mobile cameras.
- Covers the replacement of some play equipment and includes a 5% contingency for emergencies.
- Street Improvement Fund:
- Estimated Revenue: $2,464,820
- Estimated Expenditures: $4,747,673 (utilizes approximately $4.3 million from the beginning balance).
- Completes the MacArthur sidewalk project.
- Funds the remainder of the Kickapoo expansion project (Phase 2 going south).
- Provides for continued street maintenance.
- 2018 Capital Improvement Fund (Half-cent sales tax):
- Estimated Revenue: $2,888,938
- Estimated Expenditures: $8,929,333 (funded by bond proceeds and existing cash).
- Initiates the process of improving 45th Street.
- Funds the completion of the new police headquarters.
- Continues upgrading Woodland and Kidspace Park.
- Funds new roofs for several city facilities, including the Santa Fe Depot and community centers.
Council members expressed appreciation for the thorough and well-prepared budget presentation.
Public Comments
The Chair opened the floor for public comments regarding the budget.
- No citizens spoke in favor of the budget.
- No citizens spoke in opposition to the budget.
Agenda Summary Table
| Agenda Item | Description