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City Council reviews proposed budget, prioritizes EMS equipment and capital projects
Summary
At its meeting the City Council reviewed the proposed fiscal-year budget and CIP, highlighting emergency medical services equipment upgrades, a proposed fee to subsidize EMS costs, and several infrastructure projects including a pump station, RO plant capacity and park/street work.
The Seward City Council on an administrative agenda item heard a departmental review of the proposed fiscal-year budget and capital-improvement priorities, with staff emphasizing emergency medical services equipment needs and a set of infrastructure projects that will affect rates, sinking funds and grant applications.
City staff told the council the largest immediate equipment need in Fire & Rescue is replacing the chassis on Squad 99, a modular ambulance project estimated at $300,000; staff said a $75,000 grant would offset part of that cost. The presentation grouped other EMS purchases — powered patient-lift systems (Stryker-type), life-pack monitors, stair chairs and related “scribe” products — as part of an EMS package intended to reduce volunteer injuries and long-term workers’ compensation exposures.
Staff described a funding plan that would draw $100,000 from the department’s billing fund and $100,000 from a sinking fund, with the remaining cost covered from the general fund. To help subsidize ongoing EMS costs and equipment replacement, staff reiterated a previously proposed “charging for calls” fee (described in the meeting as a user charge for emergency responses); staff said the proposal is intended to offset equipment and operating costs but that the fee remains subject to further review and public hearing.
The budget review covered multiple other capital and operating items. Noted items included: - Parks and golf: staff proposed converting a seasonal part-time grounds position to a full-time position to provide year-round coverage and succession support for the course superintendent (Dan). Staff said the change would reduce reliance on temporary help and improve course maintenance continuity. - Lehi pump station: staff reported a roughly $4,000,000 estimate for an update to the Lehi pump station and said they will pursue a phase-2 hazard-mitigation grant to cover some costs. Staff noted there is currently no dedicated revenue source to fully fund the pump-station work. - Turf and recreation projects: staff said the city will wait to see the outcome of the local school district’s bond planning before moving forward on the turf project and other Legion Field amenities; those decisions will inform the city’s scope for ADA improvements, concessions and restrooms. - Wastewater and water: staff proposed a 3% rate increase for both wastewater and water funds to cover maintenance and inflationary costs; wastewater planning continues with state revolving fund support for a new treatment plant and a larger funding estimate under review. - RO plant and industrial users: staff reported the third reverse-osmosis (RO) skid is installed and operating; that capacity was presented as aligned with anticipated needs for a dairy-processing customer at the Seward Rail Campus, and staff said the city has budgeted operations for the plant in the coming year. - Recycling and senior-center projects: staff revisited a potential roll-off recycling system and noted a temporary 50% reimbursement discussion for disposal costs; the senior center shows a flooring need and related sanitary-sewer repairs to address settling and “flat spots” in the line.
Staff emphasized that many of the listed items are not strictly required to maintain operations but are prioritized for safety, accessibility and long-term asset preservation. Staff also warned of a coming large capital need — a ladder truck — and noted ladder trucks typically exceed $1 million and may require multi-year planning. The presentation concluded with a reminder that a formal public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled in two weeks and that formal adoption will follow the statutorily required public-notice process.
Speakers named or referenced in the budget discussion included Finance Director Sydney Golden, the mayor (Eichmeier), staff members Derek and Brandon Cole, course superintendent Dan, and other operations staff (Mike Onabee, Bob Myers). Several council members asked for clarifications during the review; no budget adoption occurred at the meeting.
The council did not take a final budget vote at this meeting; staff said the public hearing will occur in two weeks and formal adoption is tentatively scheduled after required notices are complete.
