Sunbury City budget discussion centers on staffing levels, vehicle purchases and amusement fees

Sunbury City Council and finance staff spent the meeting reviewing draft budget options, zeroing in on staffing for rental inspections, a plan to use salary savings to buy a replacement vehicle and a proposal to change the fee schedule for skill or amusement machines.

Council and staff debated whether to rehire two full-time rental-inspection positions, restore only one full-time position and a part-time worker, or contract inspections with an outside vendor (NEIC/NAIC) on a short-term basis. Speakers raised cost comparisons, training needs and the risk to landlord-tenant communications if the city reduced in‑house coverage. Staff said a six-month contract and targeted training could be an interim option while the city…