Council flags rising benefits, stormwater costs and parking options ahead of 2025 budget

Mayor Dodd briefed the council on budget pressures the city expects in 2025, naming an estimated 17.5% increase in the municipal health benefits package and a scheduled minimum-wage increase to $15.49. "One of the things that we'll see next year is a state health care benefit package is going up 17 and a half percent again," he said.

The mayor also noted an anticipated police retirement that could add roughly $52,000 in compensation and accumulated leave payouts to next year's operating budget. He said the city will add a separate stormwater management line item for 2025 to track salaries, training and infrastructure and that the city bonded multiple stormwater projects this year, citing sample capital quotes including about $137,000 for a stormwater inspection video camera.

Councilmembers discussed parking alternatives, including mobile payments and kiosks such as Flowbirds, and agreed to study options. The mayor said five new metered locations identified by public works would generate about $89,000 in additional revenue if implemented.

Council encouraged residents interested in the budget to attend department-head hearings scheduled for Nov. 14 and signaled plans to continue detailed budget review in upcoming meetings.