Finance committee moves forward on appropriations amendment; two members recuse from engineering‑services item

The Finance Committee reviewed a multi‑fund appropriation modification that would add $139,250 across general, parks and capital funds, and discussed a third‑reading resolution to establish a three‑year list of engineering and construction management firms.

Director Goodrich outlined the appropriation adjustments: $24,500 to the general fund (including $22,500 for a valve replacement at the administration building), $40,750 to Parks & Recreation (to cover wages, a retirement leave payout and higher credit‑card fees), $7,000 for core supplies, $26,000 for a Parks Capital Reserve utility vehicle, and $30,000 to re‑appropriate a previously budgeted Creekbaum Park restroom project whose purchase order did not carry forward. Goodrich said COBRA line increases reflect recent retirees electing coverage and represent an in‑and‑out account rather than city spending.

"This is the way the administration comes to city council requesting these funds so that the money can be appropriated," Chair Humphrey said, explaining the routine nature of quarterly adjustments. Committee members asked whether the bank‑fee numbers were projections and for clarification that the Parks credit‑card fees reflect actual usage; Goodrich said the $13,750 for projected bank fees was an estimate based on early months of operation.

On the engineering‑services resolution (R2026R03), Chair Humphrey described a quality‑based selection process that produces a 16‑firm roster for three‑year engagements. Two council members announced recusals because the companies for which they work were listed; the chair said those members left the room for the discussion.

Committee action: The appropriation modification was discussed on second reading and Chair Humphrey indicated he will request time on the upcoming council agenda. For the engineering roster, the committee heard the presentation after the two members recused and indicated support for adoption at the appropriate time, with the committee chair to move the item at the council meeting.

Provenance: Appropriation details presented SEG 106–176; engineering roster and recusals discussed SEG 035–061.

Speakers: Humphrey (Chair, Finance), Director Goodrich, DeJabower (committee member).

Topics: city_budget, committee_recusal

Sections:{"lede":"The Finance Committee reviewed a $139,250 appropriations modification across several city funds and discussed a three‑year engineering/construction management roster after two council members recused because their firms are on the proposed vendor list.","nut_graf":"Finance staff presented line‑by‑line increases including a valve replacement for the administration building, parks payroll and credit‑card fee adjustments, a new utility vehicle and re‑appropriation of a park restroom PO. Two members recused from the third‑reading engineering‑services resolution and left the room for committee consideration.","ending":"Chair Humphrey said he will request time on the next council agenda to move the appropriation ordinance and the engineering‑roster resolution for council action."}