On the plus side, the City has seen an increase in income from the assessed property values tax to the tune of $83,782, said City Manager James Wieprecht. The City also realized a $12,000 gain from the Police Impact Fee.

Wieprecht recommended spending $14,400 of the unplanned income on a police department salary adjustment. "That is to hopefully aid in officer retention," he said.

In addition, Wieprecht recommended $12,000 be spent for an architect schematic for renovations to the police department building. The current building only has one restroom and is crowded for the number of employees.

The schematic will identify the current layout of the building and suggest where it is structurally best to add features and make renovations. "As the force has grown, it is getting a little bit tight," Wieprecht said. Following the concept design, the Council will be provided with a cost estimate for potential renovation/expansion of the building.

As the population of the city continues to grow, updated police facilities are important to address resident needs along with roads, Mayor Pro-tem Joe Vigliotti said.

Councilmember Diane Foster noted other city buildings need improvements, including the public works department. "Overall facilities are lacking in the city," agreed Mayor Wantz, noting that the annex is not being used for its intended purposes and is not the most ideal space to have employees.

Research is currently underway for a "pole building like structure with an office attached," for the public works department.

Other budget adjustments included a one-time charge of $67,000 to purchase a new skid loader to replace the old one.

Despite not originally being in the budget for this year, the City Council also approved the demolition of the unused Festival Park building. The demolition was expedited due to vandalism.

The budget was also adjusted to account for $27,000 in Maryland Department of the Environment fines stemming for permit violations at the City’s wastewater treatment facility.