During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the preparation and implications of the upcoming budget, highlighting a collaborative effort between departments to meet a mandated 5% budget reduction. Sarah Frankfeld and her colleague presented their budget, which includes several key codes for capital projects, community development, and GIS initiatives.

The planning budget faced challenges due to rising costs associated with employee benefits and retirement, which led to a significant increase despite efforts to streamline operations. The department noted that without these legacy costs, they would have achieved a 3.6% reduction in their budget. Additionally, there was a slight decrease in professional training and educational expenses, while subscription costs have risen.

A notable point of discussion was the proposal for a new fiscal coordinator position to manage an influx of state and federal funding, including ARPA and community development block grant funds. The department emphasized the need for meticulous coordination to handle approximately $13 million in CARFA funds and other critical housing programs. The proposed position would replace overtime costs previously incurred for similar duties, with a modest salary increase of $3,000.

Concerns were raised regarding the sustainability of this position, given that ARPA funding is set to taper off by 2025-2026. However, officials assured that the role is essential for ongoing and future funding opportunities, particularly in housing rehabilitation and septic replacement programs.

The meeting concluded with clarification that the new fiscal coordinator would be filled by an existing staff member, thereby eliminating a current position rather than creating a new one. This strategic move aims to enhance efficiency in managing the growing administrative demands of federal funding programs.