Public Meetings - Syracuse, New York

This was the second hearing of the day, focusing on the Building and Adjudication (BAA) department as well as health and sanitation violations issued by the Department of Public Works (DPW). Leah Whitmer, the department head, presented an overview of operations, including recent automation initiatives, service improvements, and a discussion of backlog and staffing challenges. The hearing also covered revenue generation, overdue fine rollovers onto property taxes, and compliance trends. Discussion Items - Automation and Constituent Services: Leah Whitmer reported that the department rolled out a self-service portal (mvb.seer.gov) and installed kiosks in the office to allow constituents to dispute tickets, pay fines, or schedule hearings digitally. Smart screens in hearing rooms allow judges to display evidence (photos, videos) easily. - School Zone & Automated Enforcement: Although school zone stop-arm enforcement falls under parking (next hearing), it was noted that ticketing began in May 2025 after a 30-day warning period, with payments and disputes starting in late May/early June. Red-light and school speed zone violations began November 2025 after a 60-day warning period. - Code Violation Process: Whitmer explained the code compliance pipeline: a Notice of Violation (no fine) is issued, followed by a legal warning letter if non-compliance continues. If still unresolved, the case is sent to BAA, which issues a certified-mail ticket with a fine. Property owners have 30 days to pay or request a hearing. - Backlog and Staffing: Whitmer acknowledged a significant backlog in BAA hearings (especially by-mail disputes), partly due to manual processing in the IPS system and a shortage of part-time attorneys (required to be NY-licensed, city residents, and with 4+ years experience for BAA). A vacant deputy director position and the need to cross-train staff for automated enforcement have exacerbated delays. The department has 12 part-time judges but struggled to keep up with increased volume. - Out-of-State Owners and LLCs: Council members asked about tracking out-of-state owners and LLCs that avoid service. Whitmer noted that certified mail can be refused, and the department may not perfect service; if both attempts fail, the ticket is often denied and the case returns to codes or the law department. She expressed interest in lobbying for state law changes to allow first-class mail service. - Fine Rollover to Taxes: For the first time, unpaid BAA fines and penalties will be rolled onto the May 2026 property tax roll. Whitmer estimated this could bring in an additional $500,000–$600,000. Staff manually review each case before rollover to ensure due process was followed. - Budget and Revenue: Revenue projections for BAA tickets (including health/sanitation) are up. For FY2023-24, code referrals to BAA more than doubled. The compliance rate for health/sanitation violations rose from 67% to over 72% – meaning more residents are correcting violations within 24 hours to avoid fines. Temporary service (part-time judges) spending was $385,000, but Whitmer cautioned against reducing it due to the backlog. - Pay Rate Correction: An increased hourly rate to $158 (matching state assigned counsel) had not been implemented for part-time judges, causing an estimated $100,000 shortfall. Payroll is working to correct this retroactively. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The hearing concluded with a motion to adjourn the BAA portion, which was seconded and passed, allowing the next hearing (parking violations) to proceed. - The department will continue efforts to automate BAA processes and hire additional part-time administrative law judges to address the backlog. - Unpaid fines from BAA will be rolled onto the May 2026 property tax rolls, with manual verification procedures in place.

The Syracuse City Council held a hearing on April 16, 2026, to review the Assessment Department's operations, budget, and plans for a citywide property revaluation. The department is the third largest revenue source for the city through property taxes. Key topics included the $500,000 proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 to begin a revaluation process, staffing challenges, and asset management. Discussion Items - Department Overview & Revaluation Need: The department assesses over 41,000 properties. Despite making over 40,000 assessment changes in recent years, a full citywide revaluation has not been done since the mid-1990s. The equalization rate has declined due to rapid real estate appreciation, increasing the need for a reval. The proposed FY27 budget includes $500,000 for professional services to start the revaluation process, down from $1 million proposed in FY25. The commissioner stated that the revaluation would take approximately 30 months from contract commencement, with potential taxpayer impact in July 2029 for school bills and January 2031 for county bills. - Staffing & Vacancies: The department has two full-time senior appraisers, one assistant, and three leadership members doing valuation work. There are vacancies: one real property appraiser (unfilled since June 2024) and a need for a second due to Ann Gallagher's retirement. The budget eliminates the information aid and real property assessment clerk positions, with the clerk being promoted to a control clerk role. The commissioner noted that the department is backlogged due to reactive assessments and a hot real estate market. - Asset Management & Property Sales: Michael Lehman reported $547,000 in property sales revenue in the last fiscal year, including 234 Marguerite, parcels on Seymour and Onondaga Streets, and 300 East Genesee Street. Pending transactions include the Wilbur parcels and others. The city also closed on Phase 1 of the SDC site. The City Hall Commons (1153 West Fayette) lease was discussed; the developer has until November 11, 2026, to close on the project or the city will prepare a new RFP. Operating leases have jumped from under $800,000 to $3.4 million in the proposed budget, partly due to relocating police and fire from the Public Safety Building. The Garzone's space RFP was recently advertised. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were taken; the hearing was informational. The council will consider the proposed $500,000 for revaluation in the FY27 budget. The department will continue to pursue procurement for a revaluation consultant and fill vacant appraiser positions. The council expressed concern about the increase in operating lease costs and the stalled City Hall Commons redevelopment. The department will report back on future property sales and revaluation progress.

The Syracuse City Council held a budget hearing on April 15, 2026, for the Greater Syracuse Property Development Corporation (the Land Bank). The Land Bank requested $750,000 in city funding for 2026, the same as the previous year. Council members discussed the Land Bank's operations, financial returns, demolition plans, infill housing, and community impacts. Discussion Items - Budget Request and Financial Impact: The Land Bank's executive director (Kaitlin) presented the $750,000 request, noting the funding is critical for breaking even. The Land Bank generates half its operating revenue through property sales and relies on city and county funding for the other half. Since inception, the Land Bank has sold about 1,400 properties, generating $2.6 million annually in on-time property taxes. Delinquent tax collections have increased by $30 million due to the Land Bank's efforts, with the city granting $12 million, resulting in an $18 million net positive. The Land Bank takes on maintenance obligations, reducing city costs. Councilor Monto asked about citations; the Land Bank responded that they are occasionally cited for board-ups or dumping, but codes typically give advance notice, and they pay any resulting bills. - Demolition and Geographic Focus: The Land Bank plans approximately 50 demolitions in 2026 (down from 70 in 2025) due to a contract gap expected to be resolved by June. They are focusing on the near west side, moving south along Fitch Street. On the north side, properties are more scattered, making large-scale redevelopment difficult. Councilor Piniagua asked about north side clusters; the Land Bank noted they are demolishing a burnout on Mary Street and are open to working with the Burmese community center for lot purchase. Councilor Rouser suggested coordination with Reveal Bikes for temporary bike rack use on small parcels. - Infill Housing and New Construction: The Land Bank's Moving New York program application was approved, and they will start modular homes construction in summer 2026, with a waiting list opening April 16, 2026. Council members discussed the need for coordination among different modular home options (Land Bank, Home Headquarters, Jubilee) and workforce development partnerships. Density and row houses were debated; Councilor Nave expressed personal dislike for row houses but acknowledged options are important. The Land Bank is exploring row houses on South State Street and in Salt Springs. Councilor Nave also asked about difficulties with appraisal gaps for first-time home buyers; the Land Bank noted stabilization funds help bridge the gap. - Heirs Property and Wraparound Services: Councilor Hudson praised the Land Bank's work with families inheriting properties. The Land Bank assists heirs by providing clean title and using stabilization funds for renovations. They help heirs get wills to prevent future problems. A council member inquired about an elderly woman whose house burned down; the Land Bank said they are open to creative solutions like a life estate. - Surplus Proceeds and Additional Funding: The Land Bank clarified that the $750,000 request does not include a separate $300,000 line item for surplus proceeds from tax foreclosures (due to a Supreme Court ruling). They are not heavily reliant on federal funding but have received EPA grants for brownfield cleanup. Councilor Hudson asked about CDBG funding for stabilization; the Land Bank indicated current state funds are sufficient but they would consider CDBG in the future. - Inventory Challenges: The Land Bank currently has about 900 properties, mostly vacant lots, with fewer than 10 structures listed for sale. They sold 58 properties in 2025, only 18 of which were structures. They urged the city to accelerate tax foreclosures to increase inventory, noting there are almost 2,000 seizable properties. Key Outcomes - The council took no formal vote during the hearing; the budget request for $750,000 was discussed and will be considered for approval. - The Land Bank's application for the Moving New York program was officially approved, with a waiting list opening the following morning. - Council members committed to exploring ways to support heirs property owners and to coordinate modular home information across organizations. - The Land Bank will re-send the revenue sheet to the council showing property tax generation from its work. - A councilor will connect the Land Bank with an elderly homeowner for potential life estate arrangement.

The Syracuse Common Council held a budget hearing for the Syracuse Urban Renewal Agency (SURA) on April 15, 2026, at 6:22 PM. Commissioner of Finance Diane Nestry presented the FY27 budget, detailing staffing, funding sources, and alignment with the city's overall budget. Councilors raised questions about employee positions, budget presentation clarity, grant stability, and the Main Street program. Discussion Items - SURA Budget Overview: Commissioner Nestry explained that SURA is a public benefit corporation established in 1962, operating under a three-member board (Mayor, Council President, Finance Commissioner). The FY27 budget includes 88 full-time and 13 part-time positions, a net reduction of 7 positions from FY26 (108 to 101). Councilors noted the difficulty in tracking SURA employees across departments and requested clearer presentation showing departmental allocations. - Staffing and Position Changes: Discussion focused on eliminated positions (e.g., 14 police cadet positions saving approximately $340,000), new positions (e.g., data analyst, lead coordinator), and movements between SURA and city departments. Councilor Moore highlighted that positions moved to SURA can make city department budgets appear smaller, urging a more comprehensive view. Commissioner Nestry agreed to improve cross-references. - Grants and Funding Sources: SURA relies on federal grants (CDBG, ESG, HOME, lead grant, opioid settlement) and support from SEDCO, SIDA, and Housing Strategies Corporation. Councilors expressed concern about grant continuity, especially for the API program where a procurement grant ends in September 2026. Staff confirmed the lead grant is five-year, and opioid funds are scheduled for several years, though the formula is unpredictable. - Property Sales and SURA Holdings: SURA has about 11-13 remaining parcels, mostly vacant lots (two parking lots). No appraisals or sales occurred in the current year. Councilor Hudson inquired about a picket fence property and the Washington Street parking lot; staff indicated no sale is expected this year. - Main Street Program: Brianka Hill, Director of Business Development, reported that of 14 projects, three are completed (Dunkin' Bright, Salvation Army, Rama Clinic with fence and signage). The program is county-funded and expected to be completed by end of 2026; Valley Plaza facade improvements are set to finish within 60 days. Key Outcomes - Commissioner Nestry committed to providing a clearer presentation linking SURA positions to city departments and identifying new vs. existing positions. - Council requested a list of SURA property holdings and an update on hybrid/remote work arrangements for SURA employees. - No formal votes were taken on the budget; the meeting was adjourned by motion.

This budget hearing, held on April 15, 2026, covered two budgets under the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (NBD): the NBD proper (economic development and community development) and the Planning and Sustainability division. Commissioner Michael Collins, Deputy Commissioner Michelle Spansky (Neighborhood Development), and Deputy Commissioner Owen Kearney (Planning & Sustainability) presented. Council members present included Hudson, Moore, Nave, Cogwell, Penny, Pennyagua, Williams, Month, and Majoke. No public comments were received. Discussion Items - Overview (Commissioner Collins): The NBD proper budget is approximately \$1.3 million, and Planning & Sustainability is just under \$390,000. These budgets support 30–35 staff across four divisions. The department leverages less than \$2 million in city funds to generate over \$61 million in economic and neighborhood development through 16 different funding sources and 32 grants. SEDCO acts as a lender of last resort, with \$1.7–1.8 million in lending. SIDA is overseeing seven projects (six under construction, one at closing) totaling \$289 million in development, bringing nearly 800 housing units with affordable housing components due to zoning requirements. - Neighborhood Development (Michelle Spansky): The division manages approximately \$21 million in active grants, primarily HUD entitlement grants (CDBG, ESG, HOME). Key priorities include preserving housing stock, promoting affordable homeownership, addressing homelessness, and improving neighborhood health. The Housing Strategy Corporation has three waves: Wave 1 (Tip Hill and Salt Springs, launched 2025), Wave 2 (Eastwood/Elmwood, anticipated 2027), and Wave 3 (Court Woodlawn, anticipated 2029). The annual funding need is \$2.5 million per wave. To date, about \$1 million has been spent in Wave 1. The proposed FY26-27 budget includes \$2.25 million, which is needed to proceed with Wave 2. The emergency repair program addresses major health and safety code violations, with a total budget of about \$600,000 across grants, but that is insufficient for the estimated \$1 billion in needed repairs across 65,000 annual code violations. The program is better suited for small rentals (1–4 units). Home Headquarters receives \$2 million in CDBG for homeowner assistance. Homelessness prevention is funded through a \$430,000 ESG grant and opioid settlement funds. - Planning & Sustainability (Owen Kearney): This two-person division (Kearney and Sustainability Planner Karina Freeland) focuses on long-term planning and project implementation. Key projects include: the city’s comprehensive plan (underway), climate action plan (draft open for public comment for another week, adoption expected summer 2026), community solar program (2,062 enrolled, 600 on waitlist, providing 10–20% savings on electric bills; more solar farms coming online in 3–6 months), Progress Park improvements (state-funded), natural resources inventory (state-funded), EV charging grant (pending \$400,000+), brownfields monitoring (city-owned sites), and inner harbor piers redevelopment (investigation and public engagement). Approximately 80% of this work is grant-funded. The battery storage moratorium was explained as a zoning issue (ordinance currently silent). Key Outcomes - Budget Lines: The NBD budget is largely flat year-over-year due to shifting one public information officer from the Mayor’s office to NBD and moving some positions to grant funding (e.g., HUD admin, opioid settlement funds). No new positions were added. - Vacancies: The deputy commissioner for business development and a SEDCO loan officer are vacant, along with a planner and an environmental review coordinator (the latter position is being moved from neighborhood development to the zoning team to better align workload). - Community Solar Program: Council members requested multilingual outreach and community engagement sessions, as many residents are not online. The program is currently available in English; staff committed to providing contact information and website links. The program uses paper applications as well. - Housing Strategy Funding: The \$2.25 million in the proposed budget is necessary to continue Wave 1 work and to launch Wave 2 on schedule. Without it, the city risks not meeting commitments to constituents. - Inner Harbor Development: City-owned piers (two at the east side of the inner harbor) are being studied for redevelopment. Other entities (parks department, fire department) are also planning improvements (railings, lighting, dock). The amphitheater is a parks facility. - No votes were taken during this hearing; it was informational for the council’s budget deliberations.

The Syracuse Common Council met on April 15, 2026, to discuss and act on a range of items including infrastructure easements, municipal sidewalk programs, air quality monitoring, technology grants, and a proposed biometric privacy law. The meeting included discussions by multiple councilors and city staff, with several items advanced or held pending further review. Discussion Items - Item 9A – Easement for Niagara Mohawk at the Airport: Councilor Majok presented a standard easement for an underground power line at the airport for the consolidated rental facility. The item was approved. - Items 11–14 – Municipal Sidewalk Program and Air Quality Monitoring: - Item 11 (public hearing on sidewalk program) was advanced for Monday. Items 12 and 13 (bonding for sidewalks) were held pending budget approval. - A detailed discussion on the sidewalk program followed, led by DPW representative Neil Borough. Councilors asked about a master sidewalk plan, tree conflicts, emergency repairs, and homeowner liability. Borough explained that the city has a yearly work plan and coordinates with forestry. He noted that the old system of condemning sidewalks is replaced by a city-led planning process. Questions about tax exemptions for self-repaired sidewalks were deferred for further clarification. - Item 14: Revocable permission for Onondaga Environmental Institute to install air monitoring sensors at three community centers. Larry Robinson (City Engineer) and Amy Samuels (OEI) presented the project, funded by community workshops, to address air quality data gaps, especially near I-81. Samuels described the sensors' purpose, data sharing, and public health alerts. Councilors expressed support and suggested additional outreach. The item was approved. - Item 15 – Big Rig Day Performances: Councilor Aaron Rick presented payment authorization for entertainment at Big Rig Day on May 16 at Burnett Park. Approved. - Item 16 – Public Broadcasting Overage Charges: Vinnie Scipione (CIO) presented payment for overage charges from the prior year for broadcasting council sessions. Approved. - Item 17 – GIS Contract Technical Correction: Scipione presented a technical amendment to correct the end date of a GIS provider contract to May 31, 2027, with no cost increase. Approved. - Item 18 – Municipal Broadband Grant Application: Jennifer (Director of Strategic Initiatives) presented a request to apply for state funds to connect additional city buildings to the municipal fiber network. The grant would improve redundancy and throughput without expanding residential service. Councilors discussed network adoption rates (30–60 new signups per week) and potential for business tiers. The council approved the application; final grant acceptance would require future approval. - Item 19 – Monument Sign Donation: Michael Layman (Deputy Commissioner of Assessment) accepted a donated monument sign for the new public safety building, honoring Officer Michael Jensen and Firefighter Ethan Cunningham. Approved. - Item 20 – Biometric Privacy Local Law: Councilor William Sormontil introduced a local law to ban private entities from using biometric technologies (fingerprint, facial recognition, gait, etc.) in public accommodations. He noted the law mirrors state legislation by Senator Rachel May and aims to address racial bias and data privacy concerns. The item was held for a committee meeting to gather more input; final language was pending legal review. Councilors raised questions about impacts on police investigations and AI. The law would not affect the Syracuse Police Department. - Items 21–23 – Budget Actions: - Item 21: Budget transfer for demolition expenses, funded by avoided lease costs. Approved. - Item 22: Advertisement of public hearing for annual estimate (budget). Approved. - Item 23: The budget itself was held. - Items 24–27 – CDBG, Ordinance Amendments, and Encroachment: - Item 24: Public hearing for CDBG Year 51 fund transfer, scheduled for next Monday. - Item 25: Amendments to ordinances 163/164 of 2024 reflecting changed property characteristics (houses to vacant lots). Approved. - Item 27: Encroachment request from Century Club for a commemorative sign on James Street. DPW and engineering preferred location B over A due to visual obstruction. Councilor noted potential interference with planned James Street corridor project (2028). The item was held for further discussion with the applicant regarding location and revocability. - Item 28 – Repeal of Property Sale Authorization: Councilor Monte presented a repeal of the local law authorizing the sale of 1039 East Fiat Street, as negotiations failed. Approved. Other Business - A brief follow-up on sidewalk exemptions: Deputy Mayor Corey Dunham clarified that an October 2024 ordinance provides exemptions for lot owners who obtain permits outside the municipal program, and she would confirm implementation with the permit desk. Key Outcomes - Items 9A, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, and 28 were approved. - Items 12, 13, and 23 were held pending budget or further action. - Item 20 was held for committee discussion. - Item 27 was held for further negotiation. - A motion to enter executive session was made but not recorded as completed. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 20 (implied).

The meeting on April 14, 2026, convened at 10:30 AM, chaired by the Council President, with the City Auditor Alex Murray and his department presenting their annual report and proposed budget to the Common Council. The session included a moment of recognition for Officer Michael Jensen and Deputy Lieutenant Michael Husok, lost on this date. Discussion focused on the Department of Audit's work, resource needs, and tensions over requested audits and council relations. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were noted in the transcript. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Annual Report and Budget Proposal: City Auditor Alex Murray presented the department's annual report and a one-page summary of work from the past year. He highlighted three completed audits, policy reports, and accomplishments including updates to city vehicle and traffic laws (e.g., blocking bike lanes as an ordinance), increased firework permit fees, and updates to licensing laws. The office also advocated for tenant protections and housing improvements. Murray introduced new Deputy City Auditor Matthew Cutney, previously with the NYS Senate and DC budget office. - Proposed Budget Adjustments: Murray provided a memo detailing the administration's proposed budget versus his office's request, with yellow-highlighted additions. The office requested an additional $3,000 in temporary services for the next fiscal year and two new positions: one full-time auditor one and one part-time auditor one, aiming to create two auditing teams to handle concurrent audits and larger studies. The current staff includes Deputy City Auditor, an auditor three, a secretary, and a part-time auditor one. Murray noted the office has met yellow book requirements for 80 hours of continued professional education each for the past two years. - Conflict Over Requested Audits: Councilor Moore stated she requested an audit of police and fire department overtime and take-home vehicles to inform budget decisions. She reported that Murray initially replied he could not conduct the audit within six weeks, citing violation of Government Accountability Office standards, and offered no alternative timeline. Moore later sent a resolution asking for the audit in six months, to which she received no response. Murray countered that the office had already conducted a police staffing study two years prior, using $150,000 in taxpayer funds for an outside consultant, and had not received follow-up from council members. He also called for additional resources to undertake special projects. Councilors expressed frustration, with one councilor stating that a microaggression was perceived when Murray linked his inability to perform audits to the council's failure to fund his prior requests. Murray defended his stance, emphasizing compliance with yellow book standards and the need for proper resources. - Hiring Practices: Councilors inquired about hiring practices. Murray confirmed that positions are publicly posted, and he makes final hiring decisions. He noted that for an auditor one position (starting salary in the low $50,000s), a CPA is not required as the salary cannot attract CPAs. The office previously hired a deputy and secretary. - Budget Line Items: Discussion covered contractual and other expenses, with a large portion going to outside legal counsel ($25,000) mandated by a 2023 charter amendment. Professional services also include memberships like the NYS Government Finance Officers Association. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or resolutions were passed during this hearing. The meeting concluded with a request for a motion to adjourn. - The council received the audit department's annual report and proposed budget adjustments for consideration. No decisions on budget requests were made. - Tensions remain regarding the council's request for a police and fire overtime audit, with no resolution reached. Murray reiterated the need for additional resources to meet such requests.

The meeting, held on April 14, 2026, focused on the city's new "Center of Excellence" for grant management, a centralized approach to streamline grant applications, reporting, and compliance. City staff presented the initiative as a formalization of existing efforts, while council members raised questions about capacity, return on investment, and staffing. Discussion Items - Center of Excellence for Grant Management: A staff member (name not identified) explained that the Center formalizes longstanding practices, including searching for and referring grants to departments, assisting with submissions and budgets, instituting automatic reminders for reports, and providing technical assistance. A comprehensive list of all grants was compiled by meeting with every department, and outdated grants were removed from the books with no money lost. - Staffing and Capacity: The grant department consists of five staff members upstairs, with an additional person dedicated to police grants. The department writes many police grants (mostly equipment-based) and manages the overall process, while subject-matter experts in other departments do most of the writing. The staff member expressed confidence in the current team but noted that if capacity becomes an issue, data from this year will support a future request for additional personnel. - Council Member on Investment: A council member (likely Councilor Monto) stated that grant generation is one of the few ways the city can bring in additional revenue, and supported hiring more grant staff if there is a clear return on investment. He noted he has been advocating for greater investment in grant staffing for four years. - Compliance and Reporting: The staff member said compliance will be managed jointly with departments; their office will provide quarterly prompts and help departments prepare reports for funders, recognizing that some departments lack grant expertise. - Grant Success Metrics: The staff member could not provide an exact total dollar amount of grants flowing through the department during the meeting but promised to email the figure later. She stated the city is far more successful than unsuccessful in grant applications and will provide a detailed breakdown of applications, successes, and partial awards next year. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on the Center of Excellence or staffing. The discussion appeared informational. - A motion to adjourn was made and seconded, and the meeting ended.

The City Council met with representatives from the Department of the Treasury (City Payment Center) to review operations, collection rates, and challenges in revenue collection. The discussion covered billing processes, delinquent tax enforcement, school zone fine refunds, and opportunities to improve payment accessibility. Discussion Items - Treasury Operations Overview: Deputy Commissioner Vicky Voss described the Payment Center's role in collecting tax, water, parking, school zone, police overtime, board-up, cleanup, demolition, municipal sidewalk, PILOT, and shelter rent payments. The center has five cashiers, eight control clerks, and three information aides. - Tax Delinquency and Seizure Process: A councilor raised concerns about a specific property that has been tax delinquent for over two years, questioning why seizure had not occurred. Commissioner OJ (Assessment) confirmed that the tax petition (TP) and redemption period (RP) documents were on his desk, with seizure anticipated on April 16. Vicky noted the seizure process begins after 2.5 years of delinquency, with a 60-day notice followed by a 6-to-9-month legal process. - Collection Improvements: Vicky stated collection rates have increased year over year. Late charge income rose dramatically after enforcement began four years ago. The center now sends delinquency notices (previously absent) and works with taxpayers to arrange payment plans, referrals to the Financial Empowerment Center, and redemptions. - School Zone Fine Refunds: Vicky reported that the new school zone enforcement program generated approximately 700 refunds due to tickets issued incorrectly (e.g., on snow days or before equipment was ready). She noted that the vendor (Yenoptic) missed approving tickets, causing the city to process refunds internally. - Payment Accessibility: Councilors asked about extending hours, improving online payments, and encouraging local mail-in payments. Vicky mentioned the mayor suggested staying open until 7 p.m. on Mondays, and she is exploring that option without overtime costs. She also noted the Invoice Cloud portal for online payments (dog license feature reported as temporarily down). - Booting Fee Cost: Vicky identified that the city pays a 28% fee on outstanding parking tickets through the booting program, costing a couple hundred thousand dollars annually. She is working with Paylock and law to integrate school zone fines into booting, potentially raising the booting fee and reducing the city's percentage. Key Outcomes - The Assessment Commissioner confirmed seizure of a delinquent property will occur on April 16. - The Treasury will continue sending courtesy and delinquency notices to improve collection. - The city will explore extending Payment Center hours to 7 p.m. on Mondays to accommodate after-work visitors. - Staff will work with Paylock to incorporate school zone fines into the booting program for future fee adjustments. - The council directed Vicky to follow up with any additional questions in writing, and a motion to adjourn was passed.