Budget Workshop

Council decided to maintain current funding for Walton County EDA after discussion.

Council directed staff to revise the pay proposal to raise the minimum wage to $20 per hour across all city departments, apply a 4% cost-of-living adjustment to other employees, and increase the city's contribution to employee health insurance to improve recruitment and retention. Councilwoman Haffner noted concern about water and wastewater departments having difficulty filling positions. Staff to bring revised proposal back Monday.

• $935.50 · current monthly city contribution per employee for health insurance
• $1,035.00 · projected monthly city contribution per employee with 10.19% insurance rate increase

Finance Director reported health insurance premiums rising 10.19%. Council discussed potentially increasing the city's defined contribution toward family plans. Councilwoman Haffner proposed an additional $800 for family plan contributions to help with recruitment.

• $800 · proposed additional monthly contribution toward employee family plan premiums

Planning Director Hughes-Neel proposed budgeting funds for street lighting and having Chelco provide a presentation to develop a lighting plan. Council expressed interest in overhead lighting to reduce glare.

• $200,000 · proposed budget for street lighting improvements and plan development
• $55,000 · previously spent on low-level street lights

Finance Director presented plans for hiring 2 additional water operators and 1 water distribution operator, funding class C licenses for 4 employees (2 wastewater, 2 water), and 2 additional maintenance technicians in wastewater. Infrastructure projects include tower and well upgrades at 3280 and booster pump upgrades for reclaim water. Sewer plant upgrade from 1.5 to 2 mgd noted to require 16-hour shifts 7 days a week once capacity reached.

Councilman Farris proposed funding for two additional deputies to patrol city limits 5 days per week. Discussion occurred regarding whether this would be additional to existing county coverage or a duplication. No vote was taken; the matter remains under discussion.

• $220,000 · annual cost for two additional deputies patrolling city limits

Parks Director Bartlett presented multiple projects including decking at Marse Landing, a pole barn, taking over Veterans Memorial Park, Christmas decorations, 4th of July fireworks, lights at ball fields (last conversion to LED), boardwalk for Barrier Free Park, and sunshades for fields 4 and 5. Councilman Dickey requested $10,000 for a location map of monuments at Veterans Memorial Park.

• $10,000 · additional request for location map project at Veterans Memorial Park