The Commission’s agenda was dominated by fiscal matters, with significant time dedicated to the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) budget. Discussions centered on the allocation of funds for various projects, including housing rehabilitation grants and the potential shift from a paid CRA manager position to contract services. The debate extended to the effective use of grants versus loans for home repairs and the management of the Main Street organization.

In addition to the CRA budget, the Commission scrutinized the general fund budget, particularly the millage rate, anticipated revenue, and the implications of using the same tax figures as the previous year. The discussion of the rollback rate and revenue projections led to considerations of where to cut between $20,000 to $125,000 from the budget. This financial deliberation was not only about balancing the books but also about the impact on constituents, with the Commission debating the effect of potential tax increases on citizens.

Another aspect of the meeting was the confusion surrounding the allocation of an $18,800 ARA fund from the federal government. The Commission reviewed budgeted expenses across departments, including City Commission, City Manager, Finance, Legal, Utility Building, and Planning and Zoning. Specific line items such as retirement payments for former commissioners, workers’ compensation, and consulting fees faced intense scrutiny. Moreover, the Commission questioned the necessity of maintaining two separate software packages and discussed the potential to reduce advertising expenses.

Operational concerns also surfaced, with the Commission evaluating the budget for law enforcement, fire department, and code enforcement. Salaries, bonuses, insurance, and training costs were all part of the discussion, along with the fire chief’s potential retirement and the code enforcement officer’s working hours. The effectiveness of the special magistrate and the frequency of hearings were also topics of concern.

Public Works salaries and maintenance costs were reviewed, with the Commission requesting clarification on the organizational chart and considering contracting out certain tasks. A resident’s request for speed bumps on South Prospect Street sparked a debate on their necessity and potential traffic impact. The Commission also contemplated enforcing maintenance of medians and right of ways through ordinances.