Jenks budget meeting highlights decline in building permits and franchise fee discrepancies

The Jenks City Council held a budget committee meeting on May 19, 2025, focusing on key financial metrics and projections for the upcoming fiscal period. The meeting began with a review of budget allocations and expenditures, highlighting areas of concern and potential adjustments.

One significant point of discussion was the noticeable decline in building permits, which have dropped to only 35% of the projected figures. This downturn was attributed to a slowdown in new home construction, largely due to limited residential development opportunities in the area. Committee members noted that the real estate market has been affected by a lack of supply, both for new and existing homes, which has diminished demand. The economic environment, particularly interest rates, has also played a crucial role in discouraging potential homebuyers from moving or building new homes.

The committee also examined franchise fees collected from public utilities, revealing a $277,000 discrepancy between projected and actual revenues. These fees are derived from utility companies operating within the city’s right-of-way and are a vital source of income for the city.

Another topic of interest was the SAFER grant, which showed no activity despite budget allocations for the first two years. The committee clarified that this lack of activity is due to the reimbursement nature of the grant, indicating a timing issue rather than a failure to utilize the funds.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to address outstanding questions and ensure that the budget is passed in a timely manner. The committee expressed the intention to follow up on specific inquiries, particularly regarding grocery receipts and other minor budget items, before presenting the finalized budget to the full council. Overall, the discussions underscored the importance of monitoring financial trends and making informed decisions to support the city’s fiscal health.