$38.6 million budget for the City of Quincy?

Quincy commissioners voted to pass a $38,693,418 budget, more $500,000 more than what was budgeted last year.

Although some changes were made to accommodate Quincy Police Department’s budget, the need for more officers on the street is still a cause for concern.

Commissioner Freida Bass-Prieto said the proposed budget was a million dollars more than the previous draft presented to the board, but there was no more money added to the police operations budget.

“There’s no more money for the police in the community and I believe from just looking very quickly that the largest increase is in fuel – purchasing fuel revenue, but I’d like some clarification because it was $37 million,” Bass-Prieto said. “It’s 38 million now.”

Bass-Prieto pointed out that the police operating budget has the same number of officers as last year but is only $11,000 more than budgeted last year.

“We’re projected for $1.487 million, but we’re budgeting 1.491 million,” Bass-Prieto said. “That doesn’t even look like it’ll cover the step raise, much less any other police officers.”

City Manager Robert Nixon reminded the commissioners that the budget before them was based on feedback that they gave staff with the understanding that the city has some limitations.

The city’s finance director Marcia Carty said originally the first draft budget was $37,289,820.

“We put in the amounts for the utility budget,” Carty said. “There was almost $300,000.

Carty said $212,096 more was also added to the police budget for one additional police officer, three additional leased vehicles, and other priorities.

Carty said raises for the law enforcement officers were also included in that amount.

Bass-Prieto noted two new assistant chief positions were added to the police department’s administrative budget.

Bass-Prieto asked Carty if money would be budgeted for two new patrol officers.

Carty said she didn’t have that information. That would be a question for the chief.

“We’re here working on a budget for the first reading of a budget and it’s a million-dollar difference and you’re telling me we don’t have two positions that are actually in there,” Bass-Prieto said to Carty.

Carty explained that wasn’t what she said.

“They took out - from a budgeting perspective - they took out a high-paying position that was included in there the prior year and it’s not included in there this year.”

Bass-Prieto said in the past the captain’s position was always in the operating budget.

She said the city needs more police officers on the street.

Bass-Prieto said staff cut $50,000 from money allocated for overtime and another $29,000 from money allotted for part-time positions in the police department’s operating budget.

“That’s where I’m seeing we’re not getting new officers, and I want the new officers - believe me - but I don’t want to end up like we did this year flopping money right and left,” Bass-Prieto said. “Every time I get a financial statement money is being transferred that I didn’t know anything about.”

Nixon said staff tries to communicate appropriately with each of the commissioners so they can provide input and their questions can be answered before the meeting.

Nixon said the error may have been his fault because he missed that update.

Nixon said the increases Bass-Prieto referred to are increases the commission decided needed to be revised.

He said staff made specific recommendations and the commissioners decided to add to that.

The city manager commended staff members for responding to requests for changes as quickly as they did because the commission had fewer budget workshops this year, and less budget drafts to work through and the budget draft was completed on time.

“I’m pleased with our progress given that we’re going to have a very tight budget,” Nixon said. “Now we have done our very best to accommodate you, and I know that we share the same concerns that this board does in terms of public safety, but the reality of it all is that we can’t afford all of the things that you want to do right now.”

Nixon said during the budget workshops, staff provided insight on what they are aiming for in subsequent years.

“Many of the things that you’re asking for, we already have in anticipation of next year,” Nixon said.

Bass-Prieto asked Nixon and Carty to notify commissioners when major changes are made to the budget.

“Show me where the money is coming from; show me where the money is going,” Bass-Prieto said.

Commissioner Ronte Harris thanked Nixon and staff for presenting a balanced budget each time during the budget workshop series.

“If we are presented with a balanced budget each and every time we are presented to, there is no reason why we cannot pass a budget and continue the work,” Harris said.

Harris said the commission is constantly reminded that the city has a tight budget, which he said means as soon as the commissioners pass the budget, there is work that they must continue to do.

Harris said the commission needs to reassess all of the city’s top dollar contracts, and issue requests for proposals out of all of the city’s top-dollar contracts, so the contractors can compete for the work in the city.

Mayor Ronte Harris, Commissioner Keith Dowdell, and Commissioner Anessa Albritton-Canidate voted in favor of approving the proposed 2022-2023 fiscal year budget on its first reading.

Commissioners Angela Grant Sapp and Bass-Prieto voted against it.

Erin Hill - erin@gadsdencountytimes.com

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Gadsden County Extension Office explores 4-H in public open house

It’s A Girl’s Thing – Etiquette, self-confidence, style, and optimism are the rules of the day at girls-only event

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