Sunbury City Council and finance staff spent the meeting reviewing draft budget options, zeroing in on staffing for rental inspections, a plan to use salary savings to buy a replacement vehicle and a proposal to change the fee schedule for skill or amusement machines.

Council and staff debated whether to rehire two full-time rental-inspection positions, restore only one full-time position and a part-time worker, or contract inspections with an outside vendor (NEIC/NAIC) on a short-term basis. Speakers raised cost comparisons, training needs and the risk to landlord-tenant communications if the city reduced in‑house coverage. Staff said a six-month contract and targeted training could be an interim option while the city monitors inspection volumes.

Finance staff reported an available salary surplus of roughly $77,548 arising from a recent restructuring. Council members discussed applying those savings to purchase a 2025-model replacement vehicle (estimated $40,000–$45,000) and reusing existing equipment to reduce additional outfitting costs. Members discussed models and warranty considerations — choosing an Explorer vs. a Charger could change capital outlays and the council discussed staggering future vehicle purchases to smooth budget impact and recoup resale value on decommissioned units.

Other budget topics included increased insurance premiums (staff reported insurance costs had risen, roughly in the low‑teens percent range this cycle), proposed pay adjustments and retention concerns. Multiple speakers emphasized long-term retention and cross‑training: veteran employees are difficult to replace if pay falls behind peer municipalities, and several participants urged cross-training to ensure continuity when staff retire or leave.

Councilors and staff also discussed IT and phone costs, point‑of‑sale options and the timing to recruit a grant writer for the Department of Public Works. Staff said grant timelines and specific funding opportunities require a follow-up list and that hiring could be scheduled for early next year depending on workload.

On revenue and fees, council members considered raising the fee for skill/amusement machines and moving the amount to the city’s fee schedule rather than embedding it in the ordinance; doing so would allow future fee adjustments without rewriting the ordinance. Staff said a first reading of any ordinance amendment would need to occur at the next council meeting to meet the suggested timeline for adoption and a 30‑day effective period. The group also discussed mercantile tax interpretations and agreed to draft clearer notices for affected businesses.

No formal votes or final decisions on personnel or ordinance language were recorded in the transcript provided. Multiple items were left with direction to staff to return with specific ordinance language, firm cost estimates and a timeline for hiring or contracting so the council can act at a subsequent meeting.