Council OKs state reimbursement and budget amendment to buy X‑ray system and ballistic protection for bomb squad

City Council approved a budget amendment on July 30 to reflect state reimbursement for bomb squad services and to fund equipment purchases recommended by public safety staff. According to a memorandum on the agenda, the state reimbursed the city $84,195 for bomb squad services related to fireworks. Public safety business manager Jennifer Hogan recommended using the funds to obtain an x‑ray system and ballistic vests and plates. The amendment adjusts revenue and expense lines in the general fund and increases the city’s general fund budget that night. Why it matters: The funding pays for specialized equipment intended for explosive‑oriented public safety work; the purchase is paid from state reimbursement rather than drawing a new local appropriation. The communications memorandum (07/11/2025) specified that revenue account 00130800 would increase from $313,300 to $397,495 and that the fire equipment expense account 070143099 would increase from under $43,000 to $227,195, moving the general fund budget from $112,983,162 to $113,067,357. The ordinance amending the general fund (Bill 40‑2025) was read on the agenda and approved by council 7–0. No public debate on the purchase details was recorded beyond staff recommendation; council approved the ordinance at final passage. What to watch next: Implementation will be through the public safety department’s procurement processes; staff indicated the items will be purchased using the reimbursed funds.