OKEECHOBEE — Because Finance Director India Riedel was unable to attend the April 15 Okeechobee City Council meeting, an update on the finance department was postponed.

However, City Administrator Gary Ritter did handle the discussion on midyear budget adjustments. He said last year at this time, the city had received 91% of its ad valorem tax, but this year, they have only received 87%. “So, we are hoping over the next few months, before the end of the fiscal year, we will receive all of it,” said Ritter. Ritter added that interest earnings are down as well. “We are down roughly about $64,000,” he said.

He said they received a federal grant for $660,000 for the hardening of city hall, but there were too many strings attached, and they sent it back. He explained this grant money was considered when they made the budget, and now there is an unbudgeted item that they still must pay for. In addition, during the last hurricane, there were a lot of overtime hours for police officers and public works personnel. This adds another $54-55,000 in unbudgeted expenses. He explained some other unexpected expenses incurred. For more information regarding the city’s budget, see the website at https://www.cityofokeechobee.com/

The council also discussed the pension plans of the firefighters and police officer. They voted to extend the firefighters’ medical stipend to extend to the firefighters’ spouses. In addition, they voted to increase the years to participate in D.R.O.P. from five years to eight.

Also on the agenda was a motion to set May 20 as the final Public Hearing date regarding the ordinance preventing sleeping in the city parks. The city attorney told the council this amendment goes along with the ordinance pertaining to the hours the park is open to the public.

If you would like more information or would like to have your voice heard, the meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. in city hall.