The Warren City Council convened on May 14, 2025, to discuss and approve the city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year, focusing on financial adjustments, departmental needs, and strategic initiatives aimed at improving city operations.

The meeting began with a comprehensive review of the budget, highlighting targeted reductions and necessary investments. Council members emphasized the importance of benchmarking wage rates against similar cities to remain competitive. Concerns regarding overtime costs in the police and fire departments were addressed, with increased allocations proposed to better reflect operational realities. The council noted ongoing staffing shortages in the police department and training requirements in the fire department as contributing factors to excessive overtime.

To mitigate these issues, a new fire training officer position was introduced, aimed at reducing reliance on overtime. The council expressed a commitment to reassess this position in the next budget cycle if progress is not observed. Additionally, efficiency proposals from union leadership were discussed, including a dispatch incubator program and shared use of facilities to reduce costs.

The budget also included adjustments to salaries for several department leaders to align with competitive rates in similar municipalities. Notably, the wage rate for the city attorney was increased to $149,000, with a call for the appointment of an official city attorney after a prolonged vacancy.

The council approved various departmental changes, including the addition of positions in the controller's office and the fire department, while also reducing overtime budgets across several departments. The budget anticipates $1.2 million in new revenue from licensing fees for marijuana dispensaries, which will be incorporated into the financial plan.

In a significant move, the council approved an amendment to the water and sewer rate ordinance, acknowledging the necessity of a rate increase after several years without adjustments. This increase is intended to address infrastructure needs and rising operational costs.

The meeting concluded with a resolution amending the ordinance for the City of Warren capital improvement bond series 2022, followed by the appointment of Wilbert McAdams as fire commissioner and Orin Ferguson as fire chief.

Overall, the council's discussions reflected a proactive approach to budget management, emphasizing efficiency, competitive compensation, and the importance of addressing staffing and operational challenges within city departments. The council remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance city services while ensuring fiscal responsibility.