[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6542600,"mediaKeyId","3413700-760d675685d538b2232396ad0cdbe281","parentId",3413700,"title","City auditor reports improvements and in‑progress items in follow‑up on recreation facilities audit","audioSeconds",480,"startMs",49000,"endMs",529000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413700-760d675685d538b2232396ad0cdbe281&start=49&end=529","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413700-760d675685d538b2232396ad0cdbe281/thumbnail_49000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6542600/Denton-City/Denton-County/Texas/City-auditor-reports-improvements-and-inprogress-items-in-followup-on-recreation-facilities-audit","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542600-76f924206bd750a7f18d5d926ef5674d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437092&Signature=jO0kn4piE5mD9vxjxiI4SuFXk7oKSN07aTL5UmF-H62khiLzXShG8gWVnb4JZYZIv5N2wNlEInjCJJ5muE9ooiSlplYYwjTYUo-DeE0J6dwRjRs2Cv9ted1Ex7BXh1GAZxnY2jVTv7aSNmCTA7RH5sQq1hdnGlOg6mU3LzMQ-3ufL4t2O16JbG5jTVtmv61SQzOP6Dqm0PtQE87VatTztO04oJDXIrEjwq3Yr~dgsrtzEigz8tN2x-5duLDfKmhtUZOyT47l85HNrFMT~cUKDTdJmpnX0UGA-1pQY1woHOnltmtswQ6ip0LY1PCK-HKao-V5cDmBgaMu2L5TmAtK1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Denton","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","Madison Rocha, Denton’s city auditor, briefed the council May 20 on a follow‑up review of the 2023 audit of recreation facility operations, reporting partial and full implementation of most prior recommendations and identifying several items still in progress.

Rocha told the council the follow‑up review examined internal controls for program management, employee training, cash handling and incident reporting at city recreation centers and found improvements in several areas. Among the most notable changes she cited: safes and cash drawers are now physically secured to the building; cash‑drawer keys are stored in safes; more transaction controls and incident reporting procedures have been implemented; and all recreation cashiers had current cash‑handling training as of May 2025.

The original 2023 audit identified shortcomings including unsecured safes, cash‑drawer keys left at front desks, gaps in refund approval requirements, incomplete documentation for some independent‑contractor invoices, inconsistent risk‑management review for outside contractors and incomplete CPR/AED training records. In the follow‑up, Rocha said the Parks and Recreation Department has implemented a refund standard operating procedure requiring supervisor review of refunds by value, a procedure to review independent‑contractor invoices that improved accuracy in a statistical sample, and a process to record risk‑management reviews for independent contractor program applications that the auditor expects to evaluate in a later follow‑up.

Remaining and in‑progress items: Rocha said asset‑management improvements are contingent on a planned new citywide asset‑management software; an asset‑management standard operating procedure has been drafted and will be finalized after software implementation. She also said work remains to fully resolve training‑certification documentation (CPR/AED) for a small subset of staff and that the city’s risk management division had not yet finalized citywide incident‑reporting guidance, though Parks had developed its own incident‑reporting procedures. The auditor reported that a statistical sample review showed incident reports were being entered through the city’s incident portal.

Access and system‑access controls were also the subject of the original audit. Rocha said Parks has implemented a procedure to manage user access to the city’s recreation management system and cited ongoing work to address non‑city email accounts on that system; the city’s technology services department is exploring new city email options suitable for seasonal employees.

Audit status and follow‑up schedule: Rocha reported that 13 of the 19 original recommendations are implemented and six remain in progress; the auditor’s office plans a second follow‑up in 18–36 months, likely in fiscal year 2027.

Council discussion: Council members asked for examples of refunds and clarification about whether customers are obligated to attend programs they register for; the auditor and Parks staff described the attendance verification and refund process and emphasized that refunds are generally issued after verification of non‑attendance.

Ending: The report was received by the council and staff answered questions. The auditor’s office will continue follow‑up work and return to council as the asset‑management project and other in‑progress items proceed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Denton - City Council on 2025-05-20 2:30 PM - May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City Auditor Madison Rocha reported May 20 that follow‑up work on the 2023 recreation‑facilities audit showed 13 of 19 recommendations implemented, with remaining work focused on asset management software, training documentation and finalized citywide incident‑reporting guidance.","taxTitle","Denton City, Denton County, Texas","taxId",2787,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6542605,"Denton CFO warns of $6.3M shortfall this year, $14M preliminary gap for FY 2025-26",968,690000,1658000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413700-760d675685d538b2232396ad0cdbe281&start=690&end=1658","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413700-760d675685d538b2232396ad0cdbe281/thumbnail_690000.jpg","/articles/6542605/Denton-City/Denton-County/Texas/Denton-CFO-warns-of-63M-shortfall-this-year-14M-preliminary-gap-for-FY-2025-26","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542605-3c698576d3127ff754290e2dc5af67b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437092&Signature=b0gADEy-rqyCwvb-SwskFXa--OeGteIdO0jIOlC8mkOwSnqv-SP5plrQ1wR3A05Rmzl2jA3vaggkEIKEMSRaq-s0z~KfAmei6GBSH3h3f3m6gyONP-3-OR-acOWDxRGbG9vCPoRVsOoQNRz-6QdLDOUVAffg807oo3WDF2cWCKk-eDZlgD3240Q93V8Y5w8t1MRKEgxA41S8wdx~0Vax6xWxew4NoR9UPFIANg-0pNU9U9SE7LaLWAo~t8CLEXBp86TWdq9dbV8yuUvpIRK-rcovsBaeEXiLQyQaYF0VS8KmaIx2PBjkGNYgjuObYTPMLs8ID8EQucBUq-eEVFxlZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jessica Williams, Denton’s chief financial officer, told the City Council on May 20 that the city’s general fund is forecast to finish the current fiscal year with a net operating deficit and outlined mitigation steps and next‑steps for the council.

Williams, speaking at the work session, said the year‑to‑date position through March 31 shows revenue shortfalls and higher personnel costs. The city’s current forecast range for the fiscal year end deficit is $2 million to $8 million; the midpoint of the forecast reported to council was $6.3 million.

City staff said the shortfall is driven by revenue pressure and personnel costs. On the revenue side, property and sales taxes have softened: staff said property tax collections are running below budget partly because of levy adjustments and successful owner protests, and sales tax receipts have slowed over the last three months. Building permits, franchise fees and some intergovernmental reimbursements are also below earlier expectations.

On the expenditure side, Williams said the city is largely staffed across departments and is seeing reduced “salary savings” compared with prior years when unfilled posts produced $1 million–$2.5 million in savings. Police and fire overtime remain primary drivers of personnel costs; Parks and Recreation seasonality and some capital and utility cost drivers were also cited.

Why it matters: staff said the combination of slower revenue growth and higher personnel spending produces a projected net general‑fund loss. At the time of the presentation, staff estimated next fiscal year’s preliminary gap at about $14 million without supplemental or compensation packages.

What staff are doing now: Williams said the city has moved from quarterly to monthly financial reporting, implemented a managed‑vacancy program to hold open certain positions, asked departments to trim discretionary spending (target 3 percent), begun zero‑based budgeting for the coming year and is reviewing capital project timing. The finance office also said it is working with the city auditor on a debt evaluation and will return with more detailed revenue and expenditure scenarios this summer. A reduced notice of intent for a planned certificate of obligation issuance was also noted — an $130 million reduction from earlier assumptions — and staff said they intend to pursue federal WIFIA funding for some water projects to reduce bond issuance.

Council questions and next steps: Council members pressed staff about options to restructure programs, which services are “core,” and where capital and operating flexibility exists. Williams and other staff said they will return frequently through the summer with updates: finance and budget workshops have been scheduled in June, July and August ahead of adoption of the budget and tax rate in September. Williams said the preliminary calendar includes special‑event fees (June 3), additional budget reviews (June 17), the capital improvement program (July 15), utility budgets and rates (July 22) and a budget workshop (Aug. 9).

Details staff provided during the meeting include:
- Estimated current‑year deficit range: $2,000,000–$8,000,000; midpoint presented: $6,300,000 (figures are point‑in‑time projections based on March 31 results).
- Preliminary FY 2025–26 general‑fund shortfall presented to council: about $14,000,000 (staff said this excludes any supplemental requests or compensation adjustments).
- Historical vacancy savings the city has used for budgeting: roughly $1,000,000–$2,500,000 annually; staff said they will not assume similar vacancy savings going forward.
- Anticipated savings from managed vacancy program: staff estimated approximately $2,200,000 in potential savings from holding selected vacancies open.

The presentation stressed staff confidence in the monthly forecasting approach but noted several risks: federal reimbursements (intergovernmental revenue), continued sales‑tax weakness and wage/benefit inflation for next year. Williams told council that the finance team will return with additional detail and that staff plan to pursue a balanced budget through a mix of spending reductions, rightsizing, targeted capital deferrals and alternative revenue options.

Ending: Williams said she and her team will appear frequently before council this summer to refine revenue and expenditure estimates and present specific proposals. The council scheduled multiple follow‑up meetings; the budget adoption is planned for September.","City finance staff told the Denton City Council the general fund is forecast to close this fiscal year with a deficit (midpoint $6.3 million) and outlined steps — vacancy management, spending reductions and 0‑based budgeting — intended to close this year’s gap and narrow a preliminary $14 million shortfall next year.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6542591,"Votes at a glance: Denton City Council actions, May 20, 2025",446,7255000,7701000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413700-760d675685d538b2232396ad0cdbe281&start=7255&end=7701","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413700-760d675685d538b2232396ad0cdbe281/thumbnail_7255000.jpg","/articles/6542591/Denton-City/Denton-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Denton-City-Council-actions-May-20-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542591-3652913d1f08b746a7481eac1bd2c8e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437092&Signature=ikyc~88UvuRbUoQmyq2OrvwA46WbcaFybK903llYL2XKULUaH-ZxTm~KCYl8WtxgcmoMCTyRt2o0NE54W1AfR0QKWHVrjnVSl2DRE~6d8xY1PhobqF3I3cBWOehmou272j-DlE2ztpTRceyscBvJxtAM09MoGAkNSVYt3TMkejopb2lhJcSur-3dceUgHr7K819ziB9F4psVtVH5NsUjZk3w08ppakl9pm0P6jANRkCwEojGt2JSk0-I0LLcok7tDcfuGSIAMpdGgq9-yQ~Lg8W7p9e5VkCCTDZyJEtMPLj6mbkMiFK~Lwu~hCcFdPn2dNVE1bvbZs6~Wp~L6Z75vw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","This summary lists formal motions, votes and outcomes recorded during the Denton City Council meeting on May 20, 2025. For each action we list the motion text as read on the record (where available), who moved or seconded when recorded, the vote tally and the outcome.

Votes at a glance

1) Consent agenda — Outcome: Approved (7–0)
- Motion: approve consent agenda (no items pulled).
- Motion moved by: Representative from District 4; seconded by Representative from District 6.
- Result: Passed 7–0.

2) Public‑hearing item 5A — ordinance finding under Texas Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 26 regarding a sewer/wastewater alignment (Vintage Park/Tamarack Park) — Outcome: Approved (6–1)
- Motion: Adopt ordinance making the Chapter 26 finding necessary for a regional wastewater line and easement as presented.
- Motion moved by: Representative from District 5; seconded by: Representative from District 1.
- Council discussion noted the project follows the city wastewater master plan, avoids ESA riparian buffers where possible (boring to minimize disturbance) and will restore disturbed parkland \"to original condition or better.\" Staff said tree mitigation fees and easement costs were not being charged because this is a public infrastructure project.
- Result: Passed 6–1 (one dissent noted on tree mitigation rationale).

3) DCA‑24‑011 (Development Code amendment clarifying commercial animal service definitions and standards) — Outcome: Approved (6–1)
- Motion: Approve amendments to the Denton Development Code to create commercial animal service (indoor/outdoor) use definitions, remove the kennel definition and adopt related use standards (distance/time limits for outdoor activity, climate‑controlled boarding, etc.).
- Motion moved by: Representative from District 2; seconded by: Representative from District 6.
- Staff noted the change clarifies zoning for mixed animal‑service uses and that the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval 4–0. Staff said the retail sale of animals will remain regulated under retail use definitions and adoption/rescue activity is not treated as retail sale.
- Result: Passed 6–1.

4) Item 6A — Ordinance directing publication of notice of intent to issue $46,535,000 in Certificates of Obligation (general government and solid waste) — Outcome: Approved (7–0)
- Motion: Approve publication of notice of intent for CO issuance as presented.
- Motion moved by: Representative from District 3; seconded by: Representative from District 6.
- Staff explained the notice is the state‑law requirement to publish two weeks prior to issuance and that amounts represent an upper cap subject to reduction before the bond sale (staff are pursuing WIFIA and other funding to reduce issuance needs).
- Result: Passed 7–0.

5) Item 6B — Ordinance directing publication of notice of intent to issue $207,515,000 in Certificates of Obligation (water, wastewater, electric projects) — Outcome: Approved (7–0)
- Motion: Approve publication of notice of intent for CO issuance as presented.
- Motion moved by: Representative from District 3; seconded by: Representative from District 6.
- Staff noted planned uses, WIFIA application to reduce issuance and next steps of bond ordinance in July and bond sale later in the summer.
- Result: Passed 7–0.

6) Item 6C — Amendment to FY 2025 Internal Audit Plan (add employee performance management audit, citywide overtime audit expansion and an Animal Services follow‑up) — Outcome: Approved (7–0)
- Motion: Amend the internal audit plan as presented.
- Motion moved by: Representative from District 4; seconded by: Representative from District 1.
- Staff noted available audit hours, work already in progress and that council may direct a different mix of audits if desired.
- Result: Passed 7–0.

7) Item 6D — Ordinance repealing initiative ordinance (Proposition B) related to marijuana decriminalization — Outcome: Approved (4–3)
- Motion: Adopt ordinance repealing the initiative ordinance (Chapter 21 Article 5) and provide an effective date (as introduced on the agenda).
- Motion moved by: Representative from District 4; seconded by: Representative from District 1.
- Council debate was lengthy and included: legal analysis from outside counsel about ongoing litigation with the Texas Attorney General and the recent 15th Court of Appeals rulings on related municipal ordinances; statements from multiple residents and advocacy groups urging the council to uphold the voter‑approved ordinance; concerns from some council members about the fiscal and legal risks of continued litigation (staff estimated ongoing discovery and litigation could substantially increase legal costs and could trigger possible state withholding of funds under pending legislation); and statements that the 15th Court of Appeals had found similar local ordinances preempted by Texas Local Government Code Sec. 370.003 and remanded those cases to trial courts with instructions to enjoin enforcement.
- Result: Passed 4–3.

Notes on movers/seconders: where the record named a mover and seconder, staff names were used as recorded (council minutes identify each mover/second more fully in the official minutes). Vote tallies above match the on‑record roll calls.

Why this roundup: the council’s ballot‑measure repeal vote and the notice‑of‑intent votes on capital financing carry the most immediate fiscal and policy consequences. The audit‑plan amendment sets the schedule for internal oversight and the development‑code amendment clarifies zoning for commercial animal services.

Provenance: see meeting transcript for line‑by‑line motion language, roll‑call votes and staff presentations. For formal minutes and complete vote records consult the city clerk’s official minutes.","The council approved multiple items affecting capital financing, land use, audit planning and repealed the voter‑approved marijuana decriminalization ordinance. See vote counts and key details below.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6542596,"Denton staff seek council feedback on new responsible‑euthanasia policy and proposed fee changes for Animal Services",1405,2603000,4008000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413700-760d675685d538b2232396ad0cdbe281&start=2603&end=4008","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413700-760d675685d538b2232396ad0cdbe281/thumbnail_2603000.jpg","/articles/6542596/Denton-City/Denton-County/Texas/Denton-staff-seek-council-feedback-on-new-responsibleeuthanasia-policy-and-proposed-fee-changes-for-Animal-Services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542596-8baa1968561f90e0ad212587616c7fd4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437092&Signature=inJIG6703tpH27wy~bv0rCgGS7N3c2LaXKanfprv~6WY66xvB90pyV7mZYgLCvoB8OVNB5N-vyUZlhsjqRSCfZGDmRqXxCubxQlmVLz2agA7cuiroHFSooDjN3jKds~LSQUuxIufjBP~uwGzwnMdaPVbz0ov0c7YHgH26bfklHCuYUn3txH-MyUxuDMhBOSL30-dVAY~vP0G88v9OhG3rMn6mXLdUGeSH41bsLRSAkxBHATYQl4d-0fOdMLry44EImqh5j~r6nPMnit4lVVMzyy4pktWveCyGAhPhH9d4skEaGT-qWgs3tGmP9RMZ9x~1VGEGOi9wEJy2zjuAHy7Zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Nikki Sassenas, director of Denton Animal Services, presented a two‑part package May 20 that included a new written responsible‑euthanasia policy for shelter decision making and a proposed schedule of updated fees for shelter services.

Policy: Sassenas said the department lacked a formal, adopted euthanasia‑decision policy and that the new policy was built from best practices and outside review. The policy establishes clear categories and criteria (medical, behavioral, legal, wildlife/prohibited animals and unweaned neonates), creates a multidisciplinary review team for euthanasia recommendations (veterinarian, management team member, shelter staff and behavior specialist) and requires the director to approve euthanasia recommendations and enter documentation in shelter software. The policy requires that no stray be euthanized during its 72‑hour stray‑hold period, that no stray be euthanized on days the shelter is closed, and that the shelter not euthanize animals solely because it is at capacity. It also provides an emergency‑euthanasia provision for animals in immediate, unremediable pain with an after‑action review.

Sassenas told council the policy was developed with internal staff, outside consultants (Shelter Savvy) and industry groups (Best Friends) and had been beta tested since Sept. 16, 2024. She said the shelter’s live‑release rate has exceeded 90 percent since implementation, and that the advisory committee voted 6‑0 on May 14 to recommend the policy for council adoption. The department plans to bring the policy back to council in June for formal adoption and noted the separate auditor follow‑up scheduled for August.

Fees: Sassenas also presented a proposed update to the schedule of fees, last adopted in 2013. Department staff said service costs have risen (external veterinary treatments such as parvo, FIP and X‑rays) and that an informal cost‑of‑service review and benchmarking against nearby jurisdictions informed the changes. Highlights of the proposed fees: reduce dog and cat adoption fees from $60 to $40 (staff said many adoptions already used subsidy rates and lower fees may increase placements); formalize higher reclaim/impound fees that encourage sterilization; add a sterilization fee when the city performs in‑house spay/neuter at reclaim ($150); align fees for ferrets/rabbits/exotics with current practice; increase microchip fees to $25; and add or increase fees for daily handling/quarantine for prohibited exotic/wild animals. Staff proposed an owner‑surrender fee (the city currently does not charge) to offset intake veterinary costs and said they could waive it or evaluate data after implementation if council prefers. Sassenas also proposed that county animal services fees be updated in the interlocal agreement to recover county charges for outsourced medical care; the county ILA had not been updated since 2004.

Advisory committee and next steps: Sassenas said the shelter advisory committee recommended the fee schedule and the policy (6‑0) at their May 14 meeting. Staff asked council for feedback and said they will return in June for formal action and — if adopted — plan to implement new fees July 1, along with a public information campaign. The revised county fee schedule will be incorporated into a revised interlocal agreement being negotiated with Denton County.

Council discussion: Council members raised operational questions (how many reviewers are needed for euthanasia decisions and how emergency cases are handled), equity concerns about owner‑surrender fees and whether a temporary review of fee impacts should be scheduled. Sassenas said emergency euthanasia is allowed when animals are in immediate distress and that staff generally perform euthanasia with two certified personnel; she noted resources from a shelter nonprofit and the Denton Animal Services Foundation can help on a case‑by‑case basis for owner hardship.

Ending: Council did not vote on the policy or fees on May 20; staff will return with ordinance language for formal adoption in June and with public communications and the updated ILA for the county fees.","Animal Services Director Nikki Sassenas presented a new responsible‑euthanasia policy and a proposed update to adoption, impound and owner‑surrender fees. The shelter advisory committee recommended approval of both policy and fees; staff plan to return for formal adoption in June and to implement fees July 1 if approved.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City auditor reports improvements and in‑progress items in follow‑up on recreation facilities audit

Denton CFO warns of $6.3M shortfall this year, $14M preliminary gap for FY 2025-26

Votes at a glance: Denton City Council actions, May 20, 2025

Denton staff seek council feedback on new responsible‑euthanasia policy and proposed fee changes for Animal Services