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Record of Proceedings

FY 2026-2027 Key Initiatives and Mid-Year Budget Update Workshop - May 11, 2026

City Council — Monday, May 11, 2026
BodyJoplin, Missouri
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, May 11, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

All right.

0:01

It's 5 45, and uh we'll get ready for the informal uh workshop session tonight and uh uh FY 2026 2027 key initiatives update.

0:14

Mr.

0:14

City Manager.

0:15

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

0:17

Uh the title uh for tonight's uh key initiative update.

0:21

However, I feel like I really need to add a different part to it.

0:24

Uh this is our mid-year budget uh update, and then also discussion on uh key initiatives.

0:31

Uh key initiatives are important uh for us as an organization.

0:35

Uh those are the things uh that we are endeavoring to do uh in the next year.

0:40

And so tonight uh you'll hear uh where we stand with last year's key initiatives and then also get a look at uh some ideas for the 2027 uh budget.

0:51

Uh I think everybody on council should uh know this about our budget.

0:56

And our budget is our financial plan.

0:59

It uh you know, we forecast revenues, we try to allocate resources year to year.

1:04

It's our financial plan.

1:06

Um it's a policy document, and it sets express expenditures by fund, and and so there's policy to it as well.

1:13

Also communication device.

1:15

It talks about hey, these are the things that are important to the organization, these are the things that we're working on.

1:21

But for tonight, and probably the most important aspect of the budget is it's a discussion of our annual operations.

1:28

Uh these are the things uh that we're committing to do.

1:32

Key initiatives are things that sit on top of our existing uh programs and services.

1:40

So you you'll see uh some key initiatives.

1:43

Uh some are relatively minor, some are uh bigger and more ambitious.

1:48

Uh each key initiative uh coming from the departments, those departments already have an existing uh workload that they're responsible for.

1:57

So this is basically net new things on top of those already baseline level of services that we're trying to accomplish for the organization.

2:07

Tonight's uh discussion is really uh not to decide anything, uh, but just a conversation starter.

2:15

It's important for us to hear from you about those things that are important to you to the community, things you'd like to see accomplished.

2:23

I'd really ask for council's uh intentionality during this time to uh really um you know let's let's not do the things uh that you don't want to do, and let's focus on the things that you do want to do.

2:38

Uh because right now I think one of our the biggest challenges we have as an organization is our uh workload and our capacity.

2:47

So we need to be somewhat specific on what it is we want to do and try to avoid uh filling the plates throughout the year.

2:55

So um I've kind of already talked about you know what our key initiatives it's our work plan.

3:01

Um we'll go through tonight.

3:04

Uh you know, if there's uh questions that you have, if there's conversations you want to have about programs and services, each department director will come before you and talk about those.

3:15

There's a key initiative that meets the mark, let us know.

3:18

If there's one that's doesn't seem right to you, let us know that.

3:22

Because after tonight, what we'll start doing is uh put in numbers and estimates to the costs uh for these things.

3:30

We know that uh key initiatives will change.

3:33

I think Mayor uh said at the last meeting we need to do a retreat.

3:37

So uh this is these aren't set in stone by any means.

3:41

There might be some that are presented tonight that come off because during the retreat uh you guys identify something else uh for us to do.

3:51

Uh I think I think that pretty much covers it.

3:55

Does anybody have any questions about what a key initiative is and how we use them here at the city?

4:03

Okay.

4:04

Uh the other part of uh the presentation tonight is a uh general uh about uh budget update.

4:11

And so Leslie's gonna cover kind of where we stand almost uh mid-year.

4:16

So you want to cover your projections here?

4:20

Yeah, so this is uh each fund will have this fund balance projection.

4:25

Uh this is very high level.

4:27

Um it is based off of the fifth period.

4:31

Um as I work as we begin to work on the budget, uh the projections will be literally line by line, and so it will be uh much closer uh than what this high level projection is.

4:43

In fact, uh the general fund projections that I present at council also go line by line, and uh it's it's even more accurate than this.

4:52

But essentially this is high level um uh based on revenues, anticipated revenues and expenditures.

5:00

Um and you can see uh the bottom, the bottom line.

5:05

By the end of 26, uh we think that we'll have sixteen million dollars in unrestricted fund balance, uh just over 26 million total.

5:18

Thank you, Leslie.

5:19

We can go back to that if you have uh questions.

5:22

Uh but I want to cover uh this chart here of all the budget stuff that we do.

5:28

I've found this uh graph to be one of the most important.

5:32

Uh what you see here is it's a pretty simple chart.

5:35

It's our revenues uh for the general fund uh and our expenditures uh for the general fund.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety███████████████15%
Technology and Innovation█████████████13%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████11%
Parks and Recreation███████████11%
Budget Equity Analysis███████7%
Public Engagement███████7%
Procedural███████7%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Water And Wastewater Management████4%
Summary of Proceedings

FY 2026-2027 Key Initiatives and Mid-Year Budget Update Workshop

On May 11, 2026, the Joplin City Council held an informal workshop to review the mid-year budget update and discuss proposed key initiatives for the FY 2026-2027 budget. The session was a conversation starter, with no formal decisions made. City Manager Nick Edwards emphasized that key initiatives are net-new items on top of existing departmental workloads, and that the city faces a challenging financial outlook with expenditure growth outpacing revenue growth. The workshop featured presentations from multiple departments on their 2026 accomplishments and 2027 initiative proposals.

Overview of Financial Outlook

  • Mid-Year Fund Balance Projection: The General Fund is projected to end FY 2026 with approximately $16.1 million in unrestricted fund balance and $26 million total fund balance. Finance Director Leslie cautioned that unrestricted fund balance is not uncommitted and should only be used for one-time expenses, not ongoing operations.
  • Revenue vs. Expenditure Trends: The city's operating expenditures are growing faster than revenues. To achieve a balanced budget last year, departments had to cut $5 million from their wish lists. The same challenge is expected this year.
  • Future Funding Concerns: Council Member Moran raised the issue of a potential statewide sales tax and its impact. The city manager noted that absent new revenue, the city must live within its means, and this topic will be discussed further at the upcoming council retreat.

City Manager's Office (Nick Edwards)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Assisted with the passage of Proposition Police and Fire (nearly 80% approval), improved facility security (phase 1 cameras/access control), delivered on ARPA grants (on track to use all $50 million without returning any), and continued Proposition Action (use tax) projects. Annexation efforts stalled due to inability to secure a consultant; a new RFP has been issued.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives:
    • Conduct a street light assessment and inventory to audit billing and fixture types.
    • Initiate a management team retreat and a council retreat (at Mayor's request).
    • Continue beautification/cleanup through Proposition Action (roundabout art, trees, tiles).
    • Conduct a regional dispatch feasibility study to improve interoperability with JASCO.
    • Continue annexation services (annual funding).
    • Begin a five-year strategic planning process.

Marketing & Communications (Drew Bridges)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: New website (Drupal) launching November 2026, including interactive PAFR; staff portal completed; marketing for Momentum Bike Park and trails; first annual State of the Community event; voter education campaign for the sales tax.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives:
    • Phase 2 website development (project tracker, staff training).
    • Study sponsorship/advertising opportunities (airport, ball fields, transit).
    • Develop comprehensive marketing plan with budgets.
    • Enhance marketing of Momentum Bike Park.
    • Assist with strategic planning public input portal.

City Clerk (Holly)

  • 2026 Initiatives: Document scanning of historic records (especially building plans) and implementing citywide e-signature software (e.g., DocuSign) to improve contract routing. A council member suggested adding a FOIA request tracking system.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Continue scanning and e-signature implementation; also consider intern usage for less sensitive records.

Legal Department (Peter)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Continued special tax bill collection program (litigation, quiet title) — successful; charter review commission completed; assisted with Proposition Police and Fire.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Continue special tax bill collection; potential full charter review in future (requires 12-18 months and larger commission). Council discussion noted need to define end goals before committing staff time.

Human Resources (Michelle, with Tiffany Weber)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Cross-training programs to capture institutional knowledge (82 general employees eligible to retire); hiring process improvement committee; exploring remote work policy.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives:
    • Create career ladder paths (e.g., equipment operator tiers).
    • Improve employee engagement and retention.
    • Conduct biennial compensation study (required every two years).
    • Develop master training list/timeline.

Building Department (Troy, via note)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Implementation of vacant and dangerous building program (draft code being developed, expected council presentation summer 2026).
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Improve demolition process to shorten timeline (annual contracting); continue training for electronic plan review.

Finance Department (Leslie)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Vacant lot inventory/county lot transfer program; assisted with Proposition Village implementation; coordination of grant projects; beginning financial policy updates; online building permits complete; electronic time/attendance on schedule; online business license payments by fall 2026.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Implement new GASB standards (103, 104); conduct independent fee review; develop opioid settlement spending plan; continue financial policy development; technology improvements (dashboard phase 2).

Information Technology (Mark)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Esri Advantage program (GIS server upgrades); assisted with website and mapping; enterprise asset management system (EAM) went live in March 2026.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Continue GIS development using Esri program; establish IT ticketing system; cross-training documentation; implement citywide e-signatures (Adobe) and planning/engineering module in ERP.

Municipal Court

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Completed second round of administrative reduction of ENCODE software; updating municipal court website; revising introduction video (with Drew's team).
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Continued website updates to maintain compliance with state statutes and court rules.

Public Works (Dan, with Jeremy for stormwater)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Asset management software (EAM) live in March; ARPA Justice Center grant closed; facility security phase 2 (window tinting, lighting, brick facade) underway; generator monitoring in progress.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Assess infrastructure needs for Crossroads North Industrial Park; continue facility security at Justice Center; implement planning/engineering module in Central Square software.

Police Department (Chief Pearson)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Enhanced jail security (full body scanner); evidence room rolling shelves installed; equipped patrol officers with rifles (ongoing training); assisted with Proposition Police and Fire passage.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Continue rifle issuance/training; transition sidearms (Glocks) to new models; replace flashlights, SWAT shields; incrementally replace patrol vehicles as ranks grow (due to Proposition funding). Chief noted that the city aims to have the best paid, best equipped, and best trained police department in the state. Discussion included drone program exploration and retaining vehicle value through trade-in cycles.

Fire Department (Chief)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Community paramedicine program punted to 2027; purchased large diameter hose and hand tools; EV rescue plug training (first phase completed); ice rescue capability now fully operational; citywide risk assessment (phase 1 data gathering); standardized fire investigation SOPs; EMT advanced program (6 individuals finishing); enhanced EMS equipment (bags, AEDs, med kits in admin vehicles).
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Launch community paramedicine program (coordinated with PD co-responder unit); implement new staffing/scheduling system to reduce overtime (committee formed, possible Jan 2027 implementation); modernize aging fire stations (station 5 bathroom, station 1 day room); continuation of equipment replacement (hose, tools); continue citywide risk assessment (NFPA 1300 compliance); expand public education (electronic signboards via grant).

Emergency Management

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Three tornado sirens purchased and being installed; weather radios available for residents; emergency operations center upgraded with tables/chairs.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Continue replacement of three more sirens; continue EOC upgrade (painting, etc.); enhance tier two management reporting.

Neighborhood Improvement

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Full implementation of property maintenance code enforcement (timing aligned with J. Hart program and CDBG home repair); neighborhood improvement officers becoming ICC certified.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Administrative abatement process for nuisance violations (to reduce court cases).

Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) (Patrick)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Concierge desk kiosk still under development; celebrations commission winding down; visitor profile survey discontinued; ongoing marketing for Momentum Bike Park, trails, and Grand Falls.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Work with airport on baggage area improvements; update entryway signs (six locations); add wayfinding signs for Momentum Bike Park; continue event programming; revamp grant program (FY28); consider post-centennial rebranding.

Health Department (Ryan)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Departmental assessment completed (positive results); animal control regional facility study underway; wellness works update presented.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Explore expanding medical lab testing services (self-pay, low-cost, targeted to uninsured); collaborative public wellness event (suggested by council); food inspection scoring system (0-100 scale); consider formal adoption of Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program for cats.

Parks & Recreation (Paul)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Wildcat Park improvements (river access, trail, road); Smithsonian exhibit on hold; parking improvements at Athletic Complex and Joe Becker Stadium; operations/maintenance plans for Ewart Splash Park and Momentum Bike Park (bike park plan done).
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Install steps at Landrith and McClellan disc golf courses; repaint Schifferdecker and Cunningham pools; correct trail drop-offs at Landrith; complete museum label project, new interactive exhibits, video content; remove press box at Soccer Field 2; overlay parking at softball complex and Athletic Complex building.

Solid Waste (Dan)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) grant awarded (advertising campaign underway); RFP for citywide trash services completed (contract coming back).
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Develop and submit Region M grant application; continue REO grant (closeout); improve household hazardous waste program practices.

Parks and Stormwater Sales Tax (Phase 3)

  • Parks Side (Paul): Momentum Bike Park complete (awarded MML best innovative project); Ewart Splash Park/ice ribbon project under construction (completion October 2026); Par Hill Park improvements (ORLP grant) – rebid for fitness trail equipment, outdoor games awarded, playground RFPs coming; Grand Falls Trail and Overlook (bid June 2026, construction fall).
  • Stormwater Side (Jeremy): Inspected 500 stormwater inlets using EAM software (100+ done); 2027 initiatives: establish zone map for stormwater easement mowing; implement MS4 permit compliance; evaluate minor system improvement needs (130 items); update stormwater management criteria.

Transportation Sales Tax (Dan)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Pavement condition analysis (contracted with ON, finishing summer); wireless connectivity at 10 intersections (6 done); zone maps for street sweeping complete; trolley shelter refurbishment underway; trolley route evaluation for efficiency/expansion.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Zone maps for right-of-way mowing; continue asset management; review design of new public works office/radio bay; implement tap-to-pay on transit; continue signal interconnection (goal to link with MoDOT); upgrade school zone flashers; create GIS layer for street signs; conduct two utility summits; quarterly meetings with fiber companies; identify damaged/abandoned utility facilities.

Capital Improvement Sales Tax (CIST) (Jeremy)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Captured GIS infrastructure data from consultants (ongoing).
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Continue data capture; research new beautification elements for future CIST projects.

Community Planning (Joanne)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: 10 units for at-risk population on schedule (RFP upcoming); sidewalk program approved for census tract 110; first rental development (two houses on South Empire); historic surveys of North Heights on schedule; sign code draft being drafted; comprehensive plan RFP to be released May 18; bike/pedestrian corridor plan and complete streets manual presented in April (public engagement May/June); lead hazard grant to begin after J. Hart program; Alo Fiber ring and central offices complete.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Launch CDBG home repair program; continue sidewalk installation; construct 8 affordable living units on Sergeant Avenue; conduct historic phase 3 survey of North Heights; survey local parks with HPC; continue engineering module; update downtown plan (18-month process); bring unlicensed short-term rentals into compliance; present text amendments; develop trail usage monitoring system; continue lead hazard grant; continue Alo Fiber expansion.

Airport (Jeremy)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Replacing two passenger boarding bridges (first due August, second by year-end); consolidating security cameras and badges into single system; PFC program with finance.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Review FAA 139 inspection comments; review firefighting equipment replacement needs; create inventory of airfield lights/signs/components for compliance.

Golf Course (Paul)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Employee training program for clubhouse operations (manual completed); beautification buffers along 7th Street planted.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Upgrade outdoor seating area; improve tournament food setup flow; evaluate golf cart replacement (GPS technology); improve seating in rough areas; repair drainage on hole 3. Council member asked about hosting the memorial tournament for fallen officers.

Sanitary Sewer (Dan)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Smoke testing scheduled for downtown summer 2026; CCTV and lateral launch evaluations complete.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Continue smoke testing in previously tested areas; conduct CCTV inspection/cleaning of sewer mains with no historic data; initiate design and planning for expansion of both wastewater treatment plants (SRF loan application); implement annual camera inspections of underground piping at plants. Discussion included private-side I&I program (infiltration/inflow) – paused due to lack of bidder interest, but may restart next year.

Workers' Compensation / Liability & Property Insurance (Michelle)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Launched employee response training (active threat, OSHA 10/30, fire prevention, first aid, ergonomics); continued risk assessments with departments.
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Develop RFP for multiple providers of pre-employment, post-accident, physical therapy, etc.; work with police and fire on physical fitness standards to reduce injury claims.

Emergency Communications (Chief Pearson)

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Implemented AI call transcriber system (Rapid SOS) – PO signed, online by mid-June; replacing copper phone lines with fiber optics (with JASCO, completion July).
  • 2027 Proposed Initiatives: Develop advanced interoperability between Joplin dispatch and JASCO for backup operations.

Key Outcomes

  • No formal votes or decisions were taken; the workshop was intended to gather council input on priorities.
  • Staff will use the feedback to develop cost estimates and refine the budget, with a balanced budget to be presented in August/September 2026.
  • A council retreat is planned to further discuss strategic direction and funding challenges.
  • Several departments noted that the upcoming ARPA closeout will free up staff capacity, but new initiatives must be carefully prioritized given workload constraints.

Meeting Transcript

All right. It's 5 45, and uh we'll get ready for the informal uh workshop session tonight and uh uh FY 2026 2027 key initiatives update. Mr. City Manager. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Uh the title uh for tonight's uh key initiative update. However, I feel like I really need to add a different part to it. Uh this is our mid-year budget uh update, and then also discussion on uh key initiatives. Uh key initiatives are important uh for us as an organization. Uh those are the things uh that we are endeavoring to do uh in the next year. And so tonight uh you'll hear uh where we stand with last year's key initiatives and then also get a look at uh some ideas for the 2027 uh budget. Uh I think everybody on council should uh know this about our budget. And our budget is our financial plan. It uh you know, we forecast revenues, we try to allocate resources year to year. It's our financial plan. Um it's a policy document, and it sets express expenditures by fund, and and so there's policy to it as well. Also communication device. It talks about hey, these are the things that are important to the organization, these are the things that we're working on. But for tonight, and probably the most important aspect of the budget is it's a discussion of our annual operations. Uh these are the things uh that we're committing to do. Key initiatives are things that sit on top of our existing uh programs and services. So you you'll see uh some key initiatives. Uh some are relatively minor, some are uh bigger and more ambitious. Uh each key initiative uh coming from the departments, those departments already have an existing uh workload that they're responsible for. So this is basically net new things on top of those already baseline level of services that we're trying to accomplish for the organization. Tonight's uh discussion is really uh not to decide anything, uh, but just a conversation starter. It's important for us to hear from you about those things that are important to you to the community, things you'd like to see accomplished. I'd really ask for council's uh intentionality during this time to uh really um you know let's let's not do the things uh that you don't want to do, and let's focus on the things that you do want to do. Uh because right now I think one of our the biggest challenges we have as an organization is our uh workload and our capacity. So we need to be somewhat specific on what it is we want to do and try to avoid uh filling the plates throughout the year. So um I've kind of already talked about you know what our key initiatives it's our work plan. Um we'll go through tonight. Uh you know, if there's uh questions that you have, if there's conversations you want to have about programs and services, each department director will come before you and talk about those. There's a key initiative that meets the mark, let us know. If there's one that's doesn't seem right to you, let us know that. Because after tonight, what we'll start doing is uh put in numbers and estimates to the costs uh for these things. We know that uh key initiatives will change. I think Mayor uh said at the last meeting we need to do a retreat. So uh this is these aren't set in stone by any means. There might be some that are presented tonight that come off because during the retreat uh you guys identify something else uh for us to do. Uh I think I think that pretty much covers it. Does anybody have any questions about what a key initiative is and how we use them here at the city? Okay. Uh the other part of uh the presentation tonight is a uh general uh about uh budget update. And so Leslie's gonna cover kind of where we stand almost uh mid-year. So you want to cover your projections here? Yeah, so this is uh each fund will have this fund balance projection. Uh this is very high level. Um it is based off of the fifth period. Um as I work as we begin to work on the budget, uh the projections will be literally line by line, and so it will be uh much closer uh than what this high level projection is.

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