Dayton begins budget process, renews DayNet talks

DAYTON – Following several years of rocky financial standing and questions surrounding the city’s economic stability, leaders were excited at prospects as they began hashing out next year’s budget.

During a rather lengthy gathering which lasted several hours, council members met face-to-face with department heads about budgets and talked about the future of the DayNet project City Manager Kimberly Judge was excited about the give and take between her team and the city council.

“Council was very engaging, and they took the time out in the review not only each department but each line item,” said Judge.

Each of the 11 departments introduced themselves to council members and discussed their roles and focus within the city. “

During an initial overview, the proposed budget amount for the next fiscal year was revealed at $10,673,634.

City Finance Director Leslie Herrera laid out several optimistic factors related to the current year’s budget, better than expected returns on property and sales tax returns, along with increases in other areas like permitting and franchise taxes. There have also been increased revenues related to water and sewer.

“Isn’t it amazing what a difference a year makes,” said City Councilman John Headrick.

Headrick, the most senior member of the council, has been a player in weathering the storm over recent years, following upheaval from past city administrations that helped lead Dayton into financial disarray. He seemed more optimistic and praised city management during the workshop.

Herrera also pointed out that recent changes in banking systems should yield a better return for the city as Stellar Bank will offer higher interest returns than other options.

Following the overview, each department reviewed proposed budgets and shared both increases and cost-saving measures deemed necessary for 2023-24 operations.

Several departments showed savings in the upcoming year’s numbers, while several increases appeared due to reallocating the funding to other budget areas. That was most evident in the IT and Fleet departments, which both absorbed specific responsibilities related to technology and maintenance.

One common theme across the board was increased costs associated with continuing education, training and other travel expenditures.

The police department showed tightened purse strings and will not see an increase to this year’s budget.

There will be some increases for the Dayton Volunteer Fire Department, which receives funding from the city. The department is hoping to fund a closed-in trailer that will be equipped with air conditioning and shading for firefighters, especially at times when temperatures are high.

“We actually fought a fire this afternoon and it was 102 degrees,” said DVFD Chief Chad Glatfelter.

One central point of concern for residents comes with streets and drainage. That department will see an increase this year; unfortunately, the funding will only go so far, and there are no funds earmarked for road construction which will only allow for maintenance and repairs.

In all, Judge was delighted with her team and each department’s work in the budgeting process. There will be another workshop next Monday, Aug. 14.

“I want to thank all city department heads and their staff for working so diligently on the 2023/2024 Proposed Budget for our community and for staying late to answer our questions. I thought the workshop session was very eye-opening and gave the council a real sense of where money is being spent. I look forward to continued discussions and transparency by our great city staff.” said Mayor Martin Mudd.

The Council will make a final decision on the budget at the regular monthly meeting, set for Monday, Aug. 21.

Late in the workshop, talks turned to DayNet, which saw another rejection of proposed bids to buy the service by council on the regular agenda. There seems to be a renewal of energy related to the project as leaders work to make the best of the situation.

“We really need to take this thing on ourselves to make this work,” said Headrick.

Last year amid budget issues, former City Manager Steve Floyd shut down the push by the city and let go of employees related to the project to try and cut ties. Bids have not come in anywhere close for the city to recoup any money and will remain on the hook for bond payments for the foreseeable future.

Now the city hopes to breathe life into the service again and start signing up customers across the city.

“We are going to start connecting folks again so that they will be able to sign u again,” said Judge.

There will be an increased marketing effort for the internet service soon. Anyone interested in the service should contact the city.