Finance committee accepts AARP art grant and approves several budget amendments

The Green Bay Finance Committee on June 9 accepted a $15,000 AARP Community Challenge grant to support public-art enhancements just north of the transit center in the Old North Crossing area. Director Buchanan and public arts coordinator Eric Ledzma Barrerero said the grant would fund a ground labyrinth, compliant benches and artist fees. When alder members asked whether the scope fits within $15,000, staff said the grant was intended to cover the proposed work.

The committee also approved a Department of Public Works 2026 budget amendment to transfer up to $71,000 for traffic engineering services needed because of a vacant position. Staff explained the request draws from the city’s existing turnover allowance and covers contracted services until the position is filled. The motion to approve was made and carried.

Separately, the committee approved a 2026 budget amendment to recognize unbudgeted overtime for special events. Staff explained the city generally does not estimate these revenues and expenses tightly during budget preparation; because special-event overtime is often reimbursed by event organizers, the amendment aligns actuals with the budget and preserves expenditure-restraint reporting accuracy.

All items were approved by committee voice vote. The committee recorded the next meeting date as June 30, 2026, and a 2026 contingency balance of $100,000 was noted as informational.