The council prioritized the city’s employee leave policies and the associated financial liabilities. Concerns were raised about the substantial liabilities from the current system, which allows excessive accumulation of sick leave and permits employees to convert sick time into vacation time at a two-for-one ratio. This practice was flagged as overly generous and inconsistent with other municipalities, potentially burdening the city with unfunded liabilities. One participant estimated the liabilities to be upwards of “200, 300,000,” although exact figures were not provided.

To address these concerns, the idea of implementing a “use it or lose it” policy for vacation days was proposed. The discussion suggested a potential shift towards a Paid Time Off (PTO) system, consolidating sick and vacation time for greater flexibility. This approach could mitigate financial liabilities and promote employee well-being. The council expressed the need to balance the dedication of long-serving employees with the financial health of the city.

Another notable topic was the ongoing debate over the city’s millage rate and its budgetary implications. The council revisited the previous year’s slight increase and discussed the possibility of reverting to a more favorable rate of 6.35, contingent on identifying $12,000 in budget cuts. Potential revenue increases from development opportunities and the employment of lobbyists to enhance budget appropriations were also considered.

The effectiveness of the red light camera program was questioned, with concerns about inconsistent ticket issuance and revenue fluctuations. The city receives only 33% of the revenue from each ticket, contributing to financial instability. Discussions included whether to eliminate the program in favor of traditional policing methods, which could yield 100% of the revenue but would require reallocating police resources. The council acknowledged the necessity of accurately tracking ticket payments and addressing potential technological issues with the cameras.

Another discussion point was the proposal for a new fire truck, emphasizing the urgency to order before new diesel emissions regulations take effect. The council agreed to allocate $200,000 for the purchase, opting for a financing plan over five years. This decision was driven by the aging condition of the existing fire truck, which would be 20 years old by 2028, and the challenges of obtaining replacement parts.

Stormwater management also featured prominently, with plans to improve the existing storm drain system and address flooding issues. The council discussed using impact fee funds for specific projects and identified areas requiring engineering assessments, such as Damon Lane and the old American Marina site. The necessity of a study to inform the FY 2026-2028 budget was highlighted.

Public comments revealed frustrations over property tax increases and perceived government dysfunction. Resident Danny K. Timmer expressed concern about his property tax reassessment, which saw his property’s value surge from $350,000 to $850,000 within a year. He also highlighted issues with paying for sewer services despite having a septic tank and requested assistance in connecting to the sewer system amid ongoing street construction. City officials clarified that the mailed Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices represented maximum potential rates, not the actual tax rates, and reassured residents that the proposed budget aimed to maintain the current millage rate.