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Commission hears concern about sustained 0% operating budget increases
Summary
Commissioners and chiefs discussed continued 0% operating budget increases into 2027 and possible program reductions to balance the fire department budget, with the police and fire chiefs signaling the need to 'sharpen pencils' to avoid service cuts.
Commission members discussed budget pressures during the bills confirmation item and a broader budget preview. Department leadership told the commission they’d been notified of a 0% increase in the operating budget for 2027 and warned continuing that trend would require program reductions to avoid service cuts.
The presenting chief said the fire department has been able to shift funds in recent years but cautioned that with a flat operating budget and rising costs “we're going to have to look at programs that potentially won't run in the future in order to offset that 0% increase.” The commission president responded that sustained 0% increases cannot continue without reductions in services and said residents would suffer if services are cut. Staff said they are working with the comptroller’s office to realign spending and expect to bring the budget back in line by the end of the year.
Commissioners also asked about unusually large utility billing line items; finance staff explained combined billing cycles explained apparent spikes. The commission approved the bills after those clarifications.
