During the meeting, the use of Communication Media Technology (CMT) for the hybrid meeting format was approved by a 4-1 vote. This technology facilitates both in-person and virtual participation.

The council discussed the allocation of funds for various city departments. The Development Services Department presented a proposed budget with a focus on maintaining service levels, including funding for tree planting and site identification efforts. A request was made for an update on this project, which the Parks and Recreation Director agreed to provide.

The conversation around budget proposals extended to the Design and Circle of Honor amenities, and the Finance, Human Resources, and Police Departments. The immediate need for trailers for the police department was highlighted, with a suggestion to reallocate funds from the health center budget to address this need, sparking debate among council members over priorities and legalities of fund reallocation. The employee health center’s benefits, including cost savings and employee retention, were also discussed, with the Chief of Police endorsing the health center despite the space constraints.

Public works, including the proposed increase in funding and specific project allocations, such as road rehabilitation, were debated. The issue of parking along US 41 was a focal point, with the Vice Mayor questioning the proposed parking spaces’ effectiveness and cost. This led to discussions about involving businesses in the solution and the broader parking challenges in the city. The Public Works Director noted ongoing cost-sharing discussions with affected businesses.

Further, discussions on transportation impact fees, the IT department’s budget for phone system replacement, and the City Manager’s department budget were held. Appreciation for the city staff’s dedication and the successful partnership with non-profit organizations was expressed. The Social Services department’s budget was reviewed, highlighting the non-profits’ positive community impact.

In terms of departmental budgets, the City Attorney’s Department proposed a 1.6 million dollar budget reflecting an increase, while the City Parks Department proposed a 210,000 dollar budget, a decrease from the previous year. The Utilities Department presented a 56 million dollar budget with infrastructure improvement plans, including water line extensions and metering infrastructure. A debate on the allocation of funds for workers’ compensation and unemployment was prompted by discrepancies noted from previous years’ expenditures. The Non-Departmental budget was proposed at 2 billion dollars, marking a 12.2% increase, with public comments acknowledging city staff for their service excellence.