During a recent government meeting, council members engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the city’s budget, focusing on the incorporation of priorities identified during a recent retreat. Mayor and council members reviewed a document outlining various initiatives and positions that had been funded or modified in the current budget.

Key highlights included the approval of six summer hires, the addition of an asset management specialist, and the modification of an office assistant's duties—all funded through a mid-year review. The council also discussed changes to staffing, including the transition of a stormwater position to an entry-level engineer role.

A significant point of contention arose around the need for a full-time parks facilities employee. Council members expressed a desire to prioritize this position, suggesting potential adjustments to the budget, such as reducing the number of seasonal hires from six to five or four. Discussions also touched on the possibility of reallocating funds from an unfilled court position, reflecting a broader conversation about resource management in light of changing operational needs post-COVID.

The council acknowledged the importance of balancing funding for parks and public safety, with some members advocating for additional police officers while others emphasized the necessity of maintaining park services. The meeting concluded with a call for further discussions to finalize budget adjustments and ensure that the city’s priorities are adequately funded.