The meeting revealed that the city currently maintains a police force of about 75 officers, with a strategic aim to incrementally onboard new officers as budget conditions allow. However, maintaining this level is considered satisfactory for the fiscal year, given the financial limitations. Discussions highlighted the complexities of finding suitable candidates within budgetary limits, emphasizing a cautious approach to expansion due to the need for financial prudence.

The consensus suggested that significant improvements in police staffing would necessitate difficult decisions, potentially involving reductions in other general services or a millage rate increase. The deputy city manager acknowledged an underlying desire for an expanded police force, ideally reaching 100 officers, but this would require an additional $1.5 million in funding.

Additionally, the city’s financial strategy involves maintaining stable electric utility rates, with concerns raised about the sustainability of transferring funds from this source to support the general fund. Current operations are below the charter’s transfer requirement, and the city faces legislative changes affecting municipal utilities. The potential of relying on franchise fees as a significant revenue source was considered, should the city no longer operate its own electric utility.

Discussions about the fire department’s budget included ongoing collective bargaining agreements (CBA), with $1.2 million allocated primarily for personnel services and equipment replacements.

The city’s general fund composition was also examined, with insights into its reliance on various revenue streams. Notable points included a $2.9 million projected increase in general fund revenue for fiscal year 2027, driven by a 25% rise in interest earnings and an 18% increase in fines and forfeitures. However, constraints on future revenue from ad valorem taxes due to slow growth were noted, with Leesburg’s growth rate lower than comparable cities.

To balance the budget, nine police positions were frozen, and the city’s overall employee salary increase was set at 4%. A notable 29% increase in the city’s contribution to health insurance was proposed to address rising costs previously covered by reserves. Additional holidays were proposed for employees, including the Friday after Bikefest and New Year’s Eve. The total number of city positions would increase by nine, encompassing various departmental roles.

The meeting also addressed civic funding, with the cemeteries’ budget set at $161,760 and the art festival funding reverting to its standard amount of $10,670 after a prior year increase. The possibility of including new organizations in civic funding was raised, with concerns about funding needs for equipment and uniforms stemming from an upcoming school merger.

In-kind services were a topic of discussion, clarifying costs associated with city personnel and external emergency assistance provided at no charge. A commissioner suggested a prudent approach to budgeting by allocating funds to a “rainy day” reserve.

Finally, the meeting covered other departmental budgets and capital items. The library’s budget included a capital item for a generator retrofit, and recreation programs were set to acquire a turf maintenance machine for artificial fields. The marina’s budget saw minimal changes, and the impact of outsourcing alcohol sales during Bikefest resulted in a budget decrease for that division. Public access to proposed budget details on the city’s website was emphasized, underscoring collaborative efforts in budget preparation.