The council’s deliberations on legal fees were particularly detailed. Legal costs had surged to $51,000 for the current year, prompting a proposal to cap the 2025 budget for legal fees at $30,000. This suggestion stemmed from a recognition of the need to manage legal expenditures more effectively. Discussions revealed that a substantial portion of these costs accrued from brief phone calls billed in 15-minute increments. There was a consensus that better organization within the city could potentially reduce these expenses. The council considered reducing the budget for legal notices from $55,000 to $8,000.

Snow and ice removal was another topic. The unpredictable nature of winter weather makes this budget particularly challenging. Previous winters had seen low costs of around $8,600, but projections for a harsh winter could see expenses rise to $48,000. Fuel costs, which are equally unpredictable, further complicate this budget item. A proposed 5% increase was deemed reasonable given these uncertainties.

Public safety, particularly building inspections, also featured prominently in the discussions. The budget for building inspections, initially set at $50,000, was under review due to only $25,000 being spent year-to-date. Suggestions to reduce this figure to between $30,000 and $35,000 were floated, with plans to reassess in December. The budget for police protection was also scrutinized; the current contract amounted to $63,000, with discussions to potentially increase this to around $80,000. This increase would accommodate an additional five hours of service per week, a change supported by the community and sheriff due to the growth in local businesses and corresponding safety concerns.

Economic development was another key discussion point. A contract worth approximately $32,000 for economic development consultation was reviewed. The consultant’s role includes one day of work per week, totaling about 32 hours a month at $125 per hour. The council clarified that this budget covers all travel time and additional work outside standard hours. Additionally, a proposal for seed money to support the Economic Development Authority (EDA) was discussed. Allocating $15,000 annually for several years, totaling $30,000 to $40,000, would provide funds for small business loans or grant matching, seen as crucial for local economic growth.

The council also tackled the issue of miscellaneous budget items, including a $150,000 transfer to the capital fund, which had not occurred as required in previous years. This led to confusion about uncategorized funds within the budget. Addressing these transfers was emphasized, especially with upcoming capital improvement plans requiring a robust capital fund. A historical review of capital expenditures was suggested to plan for future needs.