St. Charles Committee Reviews Draft Budget and Approves Key Licenses and Technology Upgrades

Introduction

On March 18, 2024, the Government Operations Committee met to review the City’s Draft Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25, discuss liquor license applications, and approve key technology upgrades. Committee members also approved routine items, including reserving the city’s 2024 volume cap allocation and licensing the 4th of July fireworks show.

Draft Budget Overview

Presented by Bill Hannah, the draft budget highlighted:

• Total City Revenues: $224.5 million

• Total Expenditures: $226.5 million

• General Fund: $65.7 million revenue vs. $65.6 million expenditure; projected reserve of 43% ($28.6 million).

• Expenditure Drivers: Public safety (Police & Fire), Public Works, and deferred infrastructure projects.

• Capital Projects:

  • Road improvements totaling $8.6 million.

  • Fire station upgrades and IT/public engagement projects.

  • Council Chamber renovation allocation of $1.5 million.

  • 7th Avenue Creek project.

• Special Revenue & Internal Service Funds: Updates on TIF districts, MFT, Plaza Fund, and city-owned utility operations.

• Debt Outlook: City bonded and IEP loan debt projected to decrease from $165 million to $156 million.

• Utility Funds: Electric, Water, Sewer reviewed with user charges and capital expenditures; water and sewer funds will utilize reserves to fund ongoing projects, including the East Side Sanitary Trunk Main Phase 2 ($30 million).

Committee discussion emphasized that spending growth is driven by inflationary pressures on labor and materials, and by the city’s efforts to catch up on long-deferred infrastructure maintenance. Staff noted that strategic transfers from the General Fund to the Capital Fund help limit reliance on bonded debt.

Liquor License Approvals

Chief Keegan presented three applications, all recommended unanimously by the Liquor Control Commission and Police Department:

• Thai Corner Cuisine – B1 license (approved)

• Southern Cafe – B1 license (ownership change, approved)

• 7-Eleven Store 30153 – A6 license (ownership change, approved)

Other Approvals and Agreements

• 4th of July Fireworks License: Agreement confirmed, with the event moving to Fabyan Park, as noted by Deputy Chief Cavalo.

• Microsoft Office 365 Agreement: Approved for $122,000 annually over three years with Dell Marketing to transition email and data storage to the cloud, enhancing security, efficiency, and cyber insurance posture.

• Guided Deployment Services: $30,000 agreement with LOF to ensure smooth migration to Office 365 best practices.

Key Notes

• No explicit post-meeting action items were assigned.

• The committee unanimously approved routine and substantive items, emphasizing budget transparency, infrastructure improvements, and technology modernization.

• Formal budget approval is scheduled for April 15, 2024.

Conclusion

The meeting demonstrated the city’s proactive approach to fiscal management, infrastructure investment, and technology modernization, while supporting local businesses through liquor license approvals. Residents can expect continued improvements in city services and operational efficiency in FY 2024-25.