The resolutions passed Monday are as follows: The first called for the reduced amount of requested funds from both the transit and Handi-bus systems to be transferred towards the purchase of a new Handi-Bus. That was carried. A second resolution called for the amount of $10,000 (included in the budget due to COVID-19) to be applied to grant requests of Concern for Youth and Midwest Food Resources, and further that follow-up be made with Midwest Food Resources in reducing their grant request. Midwest Food Resources had initially requested $5,830, but Director of Finance Steve Brown confirmed Monday that their ask was now down to $3,000. The grant towards Concern for Youth was for $5,000.
The presentations from all the city departments have now wrapped up. The feeling from council is they should meet again Thursday night for some final discussions, as they consider whether to go ahead with the administration proposal of a one percent property tax increase for 2021, or adjust it up or down. That deliberation session is scheduled to begin at 6:20 p.m. Thursday evening, and is again open to the public on ZOOM. It will be held right after council meets for an in-camera matter. The latest three-hour-long budget session covered a lot of ground. One discussion right at the start was a holdover from Monday’s discussion: whether money could be found for the “unfunded” additional CSO position so it could be included in the 2021 budget.