During a recent council meeting, significant financial discussions centered around the police department's budget and the need for reappropriation of funds. Council members reviewed the appropriations report and highlighted concerns regarding the police fund, specifically fund 2904.
The council anticipates a shortfall in the police budget due to upcoming expenses not currently reflected in the financial documents. The police fund's supplies and materials allocation stands at $226,637, while the capital outlay is reported at $785,121. It was noted that additional funds will be necessary to cover retirement expenses for part-time employees, with an estimated requirement of $5,000 to meet the OPERS (Ohio Public Employees Retirement System) obligations.
Furthermore, the council is preparing for an impending $1,000 penalty from Ohio Police and Fire related to an officer's incomplete physical examination, alongside an expected cost of $650 to $750 for a full physical for a newly appointed officer. The discussions underscored the urgency of reallocating funds to ensure the police department can meet its operational needs and cover these unexpected costs.
Additionally, the council approved a vector solution in the previous meeting, which will also require financial adjustments to accommodate the associated invoice. The council plans to reassess the budget situation in the coming month to determine the best course of action moving forward.