Citizens Turn Out to Police the City Budget

The Olney City Council chamber was filled with citizens on Sept. 8 as councilmembers held a budget workshop for the upcoming fiscal year. Residents turned out in force to hear debate over the city’s spending priorities, particularly for the Olney Police Department, which saw key line items restored after earlier proposals had cut them.

Mayor Rue Rogers opened the meeting by emphasizing that the final draft “does not defund the police.” He noted that funding for dispatch, a police investigator, and the department’s vehicle lease program appeared in the version of the budget that the Council discussed last week.

Police Department Restored Councilmember Steven Nurre said he was satisfied with the proposed budget after pressing City Administrator Simon Dwyer about the earlier proposed cuts, and pushing for the Council to restore funds for a K9 program and reserve officer pay..

“The way it looked two weeks ago and the way it looks right now are very different.” Mr. Nurre said after the meeting.

Interim Police Chief Au- tumn Thames pointed to rising costs beyond the city’s control, including county dispatch contracts and in-car technology subscriptions. She urged the Council to keep the department competitive with adequate vehicles and resources. Mr. Nurre agreed, calling the vehicle lease program a “retention tool” and proposing the city move toward a rolling cycle of four new patrol cars now and two in two years.

The Council agreed to reinstate funding for the reserve officer program, about $5,700, and to maintain line items for the K9 program, if the OPD finds a handler and dog.

Fire, Streets, and Public Works The Council also reviewed the Olney Volunteer Fire Department’s budget, which retains its one salaried employee who maintains equipment and facilities. Volunteer firefighter Kenley Lane defended the position as critical for ensuring readiness. A $2,000 pension line item, unused in recent years, will remain on the books as a placeholder.

Public Works Director Michael Jacoba outlined a major increase in street maintenance funding, aimed at addressing damage from heavy vehicles. Parks and Recreation received a $5,000 boost to cover equipment repairs after a mower deck replacement. The cemetery budget, handled in partnership with the Cemetery Association, remained steady.

Municipal Court and Administration

Municipal Court’s budget saw slight adjustments, including higher travel expenses for continuing education and judicial training. Restricted technology and security funds were trimmed on paper from $25,000 to $5,000, though staff clarified that balances remain available for cameras and computers.

General Administration is budgeted at $176,880, which includes planned repairs to City Hall and the Council Chamber.

Utilities and Safety

The most significant new line item came in wastewater operations, where Mr. Nurre proposed $15,000 for safety equipment such as trench shoring and ventilation systems. “We can’t afford not to,” he said, citing state law requirements for worker protection.

Utility and water income is projected at $2.97 million, with $2.32 million in expenditures, and includes two new employees for the Water Treatment and Wastewater plants.

Citywide Budget Snapshot

According to the City’s proposed budget overview: Tax Rate: The proposed rate is $0.9782 per $100, producing a levy of $1,288,555—down $98,886 from last year.

Expenditures: Total department expenditures are projected at $3,591,195. The Police Department accounts for the largest share at $1,078,127.

Revenue: Ad valorem tax revenue is expected at $1,361,420; sales tax at $628,686; garbage service at $574,700. Combined revenues are projected at $6,189,679.

Net Totals: With combined revenues of $6.43 million and expenditures of $5.9 million, the city anticipates a net surplus of about $652,750.

Capital Improvements: $889,435 is budgeted for capital projects, including higher principal payments on 2015 and 2022 bond issues.

Airport: Revenues are expected at $62,000 with expenses of $36,720, including $19,000 in aviation fuel sales.

Moving Forward

With the adjustments, the city projects a surplus of about $59,000 even after a 3.5 percent raise for employees, and maintains a $100,000 contingency fund.

Mayor Rogers closed the workshop by reminding residents that the proposed budget is not final until formally adopted later this month.

The proposed City budget is available online at the cityofolneytx.com under the Government and Transparency tabs.