Ways and Means Committee Meeting – November 8, 2024

Note: The agenda listed this meeting as November 07, 2024, but the provided timestamp indicates November 08, 2024. This summary follows the latter date as instructed.

The Ways and Means Committee convened to discuss the proposed 2025 budget. The meeting covered revenues, expenditures, and specific line items across multiple funds. Several motions were introduced and debated, with one passing and others failing.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Budget Overview (Pages 1-7): The general fund shows a projected fund balance reserve of 54.7%, well above the 45% minimum. A $60,000 increase in the fire truck reserve was noted. Revenues are described as “best guesses,” and monitoring will occur throughout the year.
• Communications Manager Position (Page 8): Alderman May moved to remove the proposed communications manager position (line item 505-5010) and related costs, arguing it was a luxury and that the city should focus on infrastructure. The city administrator defended the position, citing improved resident outreach, workload, and preparations for the upcoming community center. The motion failed due to lack of a second.
• IT and Software (Pages 10-12): Discussed new cloud-based permitting software (going live in January), budget software (ClearGov, $24,000), and a fraud risk assessment (one-time cost completed). A firewall and email security line item were retained.
• Facilities and Code Enforcement (Page 15): A third maintenance employee was supported to address aging facilities and provide succession planning. $10,000 for environmental testing (asbestos) in the government center was approved. A public works security vestibule ($75,000) was discussed to improve employee safety.
• Police and Fire (Pages 21-23): Additional police vehicle (Dodge Durango, $60,000) due to Ford Explorer delays. Covered parking for police vehicles ($85,000) was prioritized after hail damage. Fire budget line items were explained, including a flat estimate for 2025.
• Capital Improvements (Pages 25-32): Funding for the Parry Road OMCI project ($400,000), sidewalk maintenance ($50,000), street lights ($30,000), a bucket truck lease (up to $60,000), and an electronic message center sign ($75,000) were discussed.
• Park & Stormwater Fund (Pages 33-44): Alderman May moved to increase the city beautification line item from $6,500 to $10,000 to support a native landscape design at the government center by Scott Woodbury. The motion passed.
• Prop A Fund (Pages 45-46): A new fund will be created to segregate bond proceeds and debt service payments. Revenues include $34.9 million from bond issuance, interest income, and property tax levy.
• Street Overlay and Bus Stops: The proposed bill and overlay schedule includes four streets. Alderman May questioned the selection of Cordoba (rating 5) over lower-rated streets; staff will provide clarification on November 12. Bus stop improvements along Watson Road are deferred to 2026 or later pending MoDOT's schedule.
• Building Lettering: Alderman May moved to add $5,000 to paint the government center lettering black, but withdrew the motion after the city administrator offered to have staff complete the task.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to remove the communications manager position – failed (no second).
• Motion to increase city beautification line item to $10,000 – passed (voice vote).
• Motion to add $5,000 for building lettering – withdrawn; staff to handle.
• Budget amendments for the Prop A fund will be formally introduced before year-end.
• Staff direction to revisit street selection for overlay and to obtain firm pricing on street lights and bus stop furnishings.