Hot Springs staff seek midyear budget amendments; airport firefighting truck repairs and lease options discussed

City of Hot Springs staff presented four midyear budget amendments on the consent agenda and recommended the Board of Directors approve the changes at the board's regular meeting on Sept. 2. Finance Director Karen Scott and City Manager Bill Burrow described the amendments as midyear adjustments after an analysis of expenditures. The requested amendments are: $25,000 to the district court automation fund for noncapital equipment left off the approved 2025 budget; $8,000 to the police fund for animal services overtime tied to increased shelter workload; $105,000 to the airport fund for vehicle repair to restore the ARFF (aircraft rescue and firefighting) truck stationed at the airport fire station; and $20,000 to the employee wellness fund for professional services to conduct a citywide employee survey. Staff said approving the amendments would reduce the corresponding fund balances. On the ARFF truck, Burrow reported the existing truck is about 18 years old and needs slightly more than $100,000 in repairs. He added that removing and replacing the AFFF firefighting foam would likely cost about $9,000 to $10,000. Staff said they are vetting a lease option that would get an operating ARFF unit in service more quickly but could be slightly more expensive than the $105,000 repair; the lease amount was not finalized. Burrow said the city expects to pursue a future FAA grant that could cover a new ARFF truck, which would require either a short-term lease or other interim arrangement while the replacement is built. Staff emphasized that stationing an ARFF-capable vehicle at the airport is mandatory; no board action on the budget amendments had been recorded during the agenda meeting. The budget amendment item will appear on the board's Sept. 2 consent agenda, with staff recommending approval.