The City of Ferndale held a budget workshop on March 22, 2025, focusing on key financial strategies and operational improvements for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting highlighted several notable changes aimed at enhancing efficiency and accountability within city departments.

One of the primary discussions centered on staffing and overtime management. City officials emphasized efforts to streamline staffing for special events, noting that while overtime costs are incurred, they are offset by billing the event coordinators. This approach has allowed the city to reduce overall overtime expenses significantly.

Improvements in the fire inspection and permit processes were also a focal point. The city has implemented better tracking systems to ensure that fees are collected effectively, leading to improved accountability and revenue collection. Officials reported that these enhancements are expected to continue positively impacting the budget.

A significant highlight was the acquisition of new fire gear, funded by a $70,000 state grant. This grant enabled the purchase of PFAS-free turnout gear for all firefighters, ensuring compliance with safety standards. The decision to buy the gear in a lump sum was made to provide uniform safety equipment to all personnel, avoiding disparities in gear quality.

Additionally, the city has transitioned to utilizing state-funded firefighter training courses, which has reduced training costs significantly. By leveraging state resources and conducting in-house training, the fire department has enhanced its training capabilities while maintaining budgetary constraints.

During the meeting, council members requested the inclusion of dollar values in future reports to better illustrate the financial impacts of these changes. This request aims to provide clearer insights into the budget's performance and the effectiveness of cost-saving measures.

Overall, the budget workshop underscored the city's commitment to fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency, setting a positive tone for the upcoming budget year. Further discussions and follow-up actions are anticipated as the city continues to refine its financial strategies.