Police and Fire Committee

City of Sidney, MT Police and Fire Committee Meeting 6-27-22 June 27, 2022 6:00 PM 115 2nd Street SE |Sidney, MT 59270 The City Council meetings are open to the public attending in person, with masks encouraged when social distancing cannot be accomplished. If the public does not wish to participate in person, they are also invited to participate via a Zoom meeting. You can participate via phone: Meeting ID: 845 6857 9174 Passcode: 4332809 Call: 1-346-248-7799 Alderman Present: Godfrey, Christensen and DiFonzo Others Present: Mayor Norby, Chief Kraft, PWD Hintz, Clerk/Treasurer Chamberlin 1. New Business a. FY22-23 Payroll Clerk/Treasurer Chamberlin provided the Police and Fire with the accurate depiction of the general fund, should they go with the original recommended payroll from Budget and Finance Committee. She stated that will have the general fund $260,000 negative with making as many cuts to it as she could, including splitting attorney fees through the budget instead of being a general fund only item. She stated the only thing that could be cut is the Police Department $65,000 for machinery and equipment. Alderwoman Christensen stated she believed they were recommending approval of a 7.2%, not option 1. Alderman DiFonzo stated the 6-year pay scale would have to be reviewed every year to see if it can be done. He stated he agrees with the 6 year plan for officers, reviewing to make sure the incoming and new officers to the next step. He stated he understands how hard it can be to work within the general fund. Clerk/Treasurer Chamberlin stated in order to afford a higher increase for the police department she is recommending a 8% increase for entire department, which is the percentage Chief Kraft had applied to the starting wage, with an additional $.25 for the 3 patrol officers with longevity. She stated that leaves the general fund only $100,000 negative, an amount she believes she can balance when the mill levies come out. Chief Kraft stated he has not seen the proposal of the 8%. Alderman DiFonzo stated the reason he asked for the payroll to be tabled is to know if the general fund could afford the increases. He stated he agrees to having a pay scale so we can utilize the plan for recruiting people. Alderman DiFonzo stated if Chief Kraft wants time to review the figures Police and Fire Committee Meeting 6-27-22 June 27, 2022 Page 1 of 2  presented, this can be tabled and brought back before the Police and Fire Committee, as long as it is approved by the second meeting in July. Motion was made to table the FY22-23 payroll for further review and meet again on July 5th, 2022 at 5:30pm. Motion made by DiFonzo, Seconded by Christensen. Voting Yea: DiFonzo, Godfrey, Christensen Police and Fire Committee Meeting 6-27-22 June 27, 2022 Page 2 of 2