The debate intensified with discussions about the city’s reserves, which stood at a healthy balance of $26.7 million, exceeding the recommended 25% threshold. The meeting saw council members expressing concerns over the budget’s impact on municipal services and the inclusion of union negotiations and transportation funding. Specific line items were scrutinized, with some council members hesitant to vote on the budget as presented, citing the need for further analysis and clarity on potential changes within the budget, particularly related to the street fund.

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) also featured prominently in the discussions, with uncertainty surrounding the agency’s bylaws and authority to hire an executive director after the resignation of the previous one. The council sought clarification on the CRA’s administrative support and requested a review of the 1993 ordinance that could potentially be affecting the agency’s governance.

Public comments injected a personal and impassioned dimension into the proceedings. Residents voiced their expectations and apprehensions about the budget process, with some calling for an increase in the millage rate to ensure adequate funding for the city’s needs. Criticism was also directed at the budgeting process, with residents demanding more attention to needs-based budgets for departments and the redirection of funds at council meetings.

The fire department’s budget request emerged as a focal point. The need for new fire trucks, a brush truck, and other essential equipment was stressed, with a lead time of one and a half to two years for delivery. The fire department’s budget request, totaling approximately $28 million, included the construction of a new public safety building. Public speakers criticized the city’s management of the fire department and advocated for further investment in the department’s infrastructure, personnel, and safety standards.

The police department’s budgetary needs were also discussed at length. The department highlighted the increasing costs of vehicle replacements, rising from $50,000 to $68,000 for a marked Ford SUV, and requested authorization for 10 additional officer positions to accommodate growth and align with state averages. Efforts to improve recruitment and the need for a new training facility were also emphasized, with the department seeking a $100,000 needs assessment for the proposed facility.

The council deliberated on the allocation of funds for the new public safety building, estimated to cost between $20-25 million, and considered whether to incorporate space for a fire station. The importance of planning for the city’s future growth and the associated costs and maintenance of new facilities were central to the discussions.