The most pressing topic was the city’s ongoing efforts to balance the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, presented by the city manager and finance director. The budget, in its fourth draft, revealed that expenses exceeded revenues by $2,119,316. Decision units for various departments were broken down, with the general fund decision units totaling $1,258,398, public works at $1,767,000, and sanitation at $132,000. This added up to a cumulative total of $3,157,000, covering personnel, capital, and operating expenses.

The Human Resources Department’s budget was a point of discussion. The department presented achievements such as the transition to electronic W-2 forms and employee performance evaluations. Proposed changes included the implementation of a Human Resource Information System (HRIS) to streamline processes and a reduction in the operating budget from $2,654,405 to $236,336 due to staffing changes. The HR director emphasized the importance of the HRIS system, noting it would improve employee access to documents like W-2s and pay stubs.

Code enforcement was another critical area discussed, with a report highlighting the handling of 135 cases, achieving an 85% success rate in enforcing liens. The department completed five abatements and collected over $220,000 in lien reduction fees, a significant increase from the previous year. The code enforcement budget proposed an increase to $312,119 to fund two additional part-time officers and cover rising postage and filing fees. The commission considered funding one part-time officer through the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to ease the burden on the general fund.

The Jenkins Community Center’s state and future plans were also addressed. Since its relocation in November 2023, the center had undergone renovations, with the gym floor nearing completion. Goals for the upcoming year included expanding operational hours and utilizing existing fields more effectively. The center aimed to enhance community engagement through outreach meetings and historical focus groups. A proposal was made to name the facility, with suggestions to be generated by an African-American focus group.

Maintenance of sports fields and the potential cost reductions associated with them were also discussed. The city spends $55,000 annually on services from Aqua Proo, prompting a suggestion to evaluate the necessity of all maintained fields. The conversation included the state of the area known as Tenola and the possibility of revitalizing or selling the property. The Palm Bowl was mentioned as a potential site for a dog park, reflecting ongoing community interest in such facilities.

The commission also reviewed the Parks Department’s achievements and budget proposals. The department completed several projects, including irrigation at the riverfront and mulching repairs, with a proposed budget increase from $245,000 to $307,000 to cover maintenance and equipment replacement. There was a push for accountability in fund allocation, with suggestions for quarterly budget reviews to ensure transparency.

A significant topic was the potential splash pad project, initially estimated at $83,000 five years ago. The discussion included costs and options for using new or recycled water, with a public-private partnership proposed to fund the project. The facility was seen as a potential community destination that could enhance tourism.

The meeting also covered various operational achievements and budget proposals for public works, streets, stormwater maintenance, and cemetery operations. The budget included a $100,000 allocation for sidewalk repairs and several grant matches, such as $7,695 for the Keyar Grant and $122,123 for the Brunson House Grant. The importance of understanding these matches was emphasized, with a request for clarity on the percentages associated with each grant.

Sanitation services faced challenges with staffing and turnover, impacting service quality. The department proposed adding a full-time customer service representative to alleviate the workload on existing staff. The finance department reported a clean audit opinion and a $9.5 million increase in the city’s net position, partly due to corrections in financial categorizations and improved bank reconciliation procedures. Future plans included enhancing transparency in financial reporting and establishing a monthly financial reporting system.