The Lock Haven City Council convened on November 27, 2023, to discuss various budgetary matters and departmental updates, with a focus on public safety, water management, and airport operations.

The meeting began with a review of the city's financial management practices, emphasizing the importance of staying within budget. The council received a monthly financial statement detailing expenditures, particularly highlighting public safety as a significant budget item, primarily due to police department costs.

Police Chief Matt Record presented an overview of the police department's accomplishments and future goals. He reported that the city spends approximately $5,136 daily on police coverage. Chief Record outlined several initiatives aimed at enhancing community relations, including increased patrols during city events and the introduction of contact forms for local businesses to improve emergency communication. A notable change in the department's operations is the transition to a 12-hour shift schedule starting January 7, which is expected to reduce overtime costs while maintaining 24/7 coverage.

The chief also discussed efforts to secure grant funding for equipment and training, reporting a successful acquisition of $572,000 for radio upgrades. He expressed intentions to continue exploring funding opportunities for future equipment needs and to enhance parking options in downtown Lock Haven.

Following the police department's report, the council addressed the water fund, which is currently operating at a deficit due to an inability to secure a tariff increase until 2025. Public Works Director Anthony Stoper highlighted ongoing efforts to detect and reduce water loss in the system, with significant improvements noted since the start of these initiatives. The council discussed the impact of reduced water consumption from local industries, which, while beneficial for resource management, poses challenges for revenue.

The meeting concluded with a review of the airport fund, where new charges for through-the-fence operations were introduced to comply with FAA requirements. The airport fund is currently overspending, prompting discussions on potential revenue enhancements and budget adjustments.

Overall, the council's discussions underscored a commitment to fiscal responsibility while addressing the operational needs of key city departments. The next steps include implementing the new police shift schedule and continuing efforts to stabilize the water fund ahead of future tariff adjustments.