The City Council approved a budget amendment and purchase not to exceed $10,000 for new movable tables and ergonomic chairs for the council chambers after extended debate about timing and fiscal prudence.

Staff said the chairs and modular tables will reduce physical strain on employees who conduct interviews and lengthy meetings and also make the room easier to reconfigure without work orders and public-works labor. Multiple public commenters, including a former staffer, said the current furnishings are uncomfortable and heavy to move; one public commenter said the tables and chairs dated back decades and were poor for extended sitting.

Some council members argued the expense should wait until midyear because there are other pressing budget items; others noted that replacing uncomfortable chairs can prevent work-related injuries that trigger larger workers’ compensation costs. One council member cited a specific insurance carrier experience where ergonomic investments reduced claims over time.

The motion to table failed for lack of a second. A subsequent motion to approve the purchase passed on a roll-call vote; staff will proceed with the vendor order and report back on procurement and delivery.

What’s next: Procurement will place the order and coordinate with public works for surplus or removal of the old table and chairs; staff said the chairs are not ergonomically sufficient and recommended replacing them now.