During a recent government meeting, city officials discussed the potential transition to a service delivery model for budgeting, aiming to enhance transparency and clarity for residents. The proposal, inspired by the City of Pensacola's budgeting approach, suggests categorizing city services—such as police, fire, and utilities—into distinct budget sections. This would allow citizens to easily understand how funds are allocated and spent, addressing ongoing frustrations regarding budget comprehension.

City officials acknowledged that implementing this new budgeting model would require significant preparation and could not be executed immediately. Instead, they proposed running parallel budgets for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with the intention of adopting the new model in 2028. This phased approach would allow for a smoother transition and provide residents with a clearer picture of both the current and proposed budgeting methods.

In addition to the budgeting discussion, officials addressed rising concerns over exorbitant water bills reported by residents. Several citizens presented bills exceeding $20,000, prompting officials to investigate the underlying issues. The city has faced challenges with outdated water meters and estimated billing practices, exacerbated by delays in manufacturing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials noted that many residents had been on estimated billing for extended periods, leading to sudden and shocking catch-up bills.

To tackle these issues, officials proposed three key actions: developing a policy to address billing discrepancies, reviewing the technology used for meter readings, and enhancing customer service training for staff. The aim is to ensure that residents receive fair treatment and clear communication regarding their water bills, particularly in cases of statistical outliers.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for a comprehensive review of the water billing system and a commitment to improving customer service standards. City officials expressed their dedication to providing quality services to residents and ensuring that the budgeting process is transparent and understandable.