City manager outlines COVID-19 operations, interim budget approach and service updates

City Manager Don Johnson delivered an extended report on city operations amid the COVID-19 outbreak, describing how essential services will continue while many employees work remotely and how the city is sanitizing facilities.

Johnson said staff are participating in electronic meetings with county and federal representatives and noted a newly issued governor's executive order establishing rules for electronic meetings and live public comment. He said the city is using the governor's guidance to conduct this virtual meeting and will refine its procedures going forward.

On budgeting, Johnson said he plans a two-stage budget process this year: an interim status-quo budget to keep operations running and a second budget formed after a strategic planning session to reflect the commission's goals. He noted the finance director found several errors that will be corrected and that he will return with a revised interim budget and then the strategic budget.

Johnson also summarized other items: the board of review met; the city clerk reported about a 32.5% voter turnout in the March election; a special election is scheduled to fill a city commission vacancy with a partial term through November 2021 and nominating packets are available by request; the U.S. Census Bureau has sent response instructions and staff stressed the importance of complete participation; and a curbside compost program is scheduled to begin the week of March 30 with pickup instructions for residents.

Why it matters: The manager's report conveys how city operations will be maintained through the pandemic, establishes an approach to budgeting under uncertain conditions, and gives residents procedural information on elections, the census and refuse services.

Next steps: Staff will continue to monitor state guidance, prepare the interim budget and plan the strategic session with commissioners. Citizens seeking materials were instructed to contact the city clerk's office by phone for assistance while City Hall remains closed.