Sweetwater commissioners pass budget ordinance on first reading after discussion on 'gun pay' replacements and pool funding

The Sweetwater Board of Commissioners on first reading approved Ordinance 10-50, the city's annual budget, after extended discussion about replacing an employee loan program commonly called "gun pay" and how to code and fund equipment and uniform purchases.

Commissioners voted on first reading after staff described line items and asked whether the board wanted to include placeholder amounts now or amend the budget later. Sonia, the city's recorder, told the board the city had historically charged employees roughly $18,000 annually for items that may now need to be paid by the city. "The last year, we charged about $18,000 that employees paid for that will now have to come out of the city budget," Sonia said. "So it's hard to judge. I don't know if you want to do $5,000 in each department specifically for employee needs or add it all to the uniform line item."

Why it matters: Commissioners said the change could shift costs among police, fire, parks and streets and that the city must choose whether to add placeholder funds now or amend the budget later as needs arise. The choice affects near-term use of fund balance and could change capital funding plans being discussed for a community center and pool renovation.

Discussion and details: Commissioners and staff agreed the cost burden would fall heaviest on police and fire if the city absorbs purchases previously covered by employee loans. One commissioner suggested placeholders (for example, $5,000 for police, $4,000 for fire, and smaller amounts for parks and streets) as an interim approach. Sonia advised department-specific coding for purchases; "I do think it needs to be specific to each department," she said, noting that some items (turnout gear, boots) should be budgeted within the fire department rather than in a general line.

On alternatives, staff said they had sought options outside the city. Sonia said she had approached a local bank to set up small loans for employees; the bank agreed to offer loans that would carry interest. "That bank has agreed to start a program privately where the city employees can go to them and do a small loan through the bank. They are gonna charge interest on that," Sonia said.

Sonia also gave a rough estimate for initial one-time replacement purchases: about $6,000 to buy coats and boots for all affected employees, with such purchases likely lasting several years. The board was told the budget draft included $310,000 drawn from fund balance for projects this year and that adding more to the budget would increase the amount drawn from fund balance unless debt financing is used for capital projects.

Health insurance and other budget factors: Sonia reported the city's insurer initially proposed a 15% rate increase; after additional underwriting information the increase was reduced to 8%. She said the city intends to cover that increase from funds the city set aside for wellness programs. "That is not gonna affect this budget because we have that money set aside in the wellness program," Sonia said.

Outcome and next steps: The board voted to approve Ordinance 10-50 on first reading (roll-call recorded as aye). Commissioners discussed leaving specific placeholder amounts to be added later by amendment if necessary and asked staff to monitor quarterly reports and return to the board if costs are higher than forecast. The board indicated willingness to amend the budget later rather than insert large placeholders now.

Ending: Staff will provide regular reports to the board on uniform and equipment spending and return with recommended amendments if the actual costs materially exceed the amounts currently in department budgets.