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Council reviews budget amendment: new accountant role, marketing funds, police cruiser and firehouse study
Summary
City staff outlined a budget amendment proposing a $35,000 addition for a new finance/accountant position, $25,000 to extend contracted marketing services, replacement of a totaled police cruiser using reimbursement funds, and a firehouse feasibility study with soil borings, environmental assessment and three concept layouts.
City staff presented a multi-part budget amendment at the Erlanger caucus meeting that would reallocate existing salary savings and add funds for personnel, marketing and capital planning.
Glenn, a city staff member, said the departure of Nyaka Johnson prompted an evaluation of duties and a proposal to redistribute some tasks and create a new accountant position under finance. The plan would use the unfilled salary line and request an additional $35,000 to cover salary and benefits for the newly created position. "So in August, we lost Nyaka Johnson ... we are looking to make a few changes ... adding a new finance, accountant," Glenn said.
The amendment also asks the council to continue a contracted marketing position for another six months at $25,000; staff and Mark Collier said content production has been strong and beneficial for city branding.
On the capital side, staff asked to replace a police cruiser totaled in an accident; Glenn said the replacement would be funded equal to the reimbursement amount received earlier and would be outfitted similarly to the prior vehicle. For the fire department, staff proposed a feasibility study to revisit the February 2020 master plan, assess mechanical systems, obtain soil borings, run an environmental assessment for asbestos/lead paint and produce three schematic layouts with square footage and cost estimates to inform future budgeting.
Glenn outlined a schedule: a first reading of the budget changes in October and a second reading in November, with feasibility study deliverables expected around early April to support the next budget cycle. Council members asked clarifying questions about timelines and about reopening a fire task force to assist with assessment; staff said they would pursue an internal study and report back when there are results to present.
The caucus did not take a final vote on the amendment during the meeting; staff said the process would proceed through the formal readings this fall.
