During the recent Amarillo City Council Workshop, discussions centered on the proposed budget for the upcoming year, with a particular focus on the restructuring of the city's internal service funds and the management of public safety resources.

One of the key topics was the potential creation of an internal service fund to better allocate costs associated with public safety non-emergency calls. Currently, these costs are primarily charged to the water and sewer fund, but city officials are considering a shift to distribute expenses more equitably across various departments. This change aims to alleviate the financial burden on the water and sewer fund, which has been shouldering a disproportionate share of these costs. Council members expressed support for this approach, emphasizing the importance of accurately reflecting departmental usage in budget allocations.

Additionally, the council addressed the ongoing operations of the My Amarillo service, which has been instrumental in handling non-emergency calls and reducing the workload on the 911 operations center. Officials noted that while the My Amarillo service has not yet eliminated any positions in other departments, it has helped prevent the need for additional staffing, thereby managing overtime costs more effectively. The service is expected to continue expanding its reach to more departments, enhancing overall efficiency in city operations.

The workshop also touched on the budget for the city manager's office, which remains stable, and the allocation of funds for community development initiatives, including a proposed increase in funding for the Center City project. This funding is aimed at supporting tourism and economic development efforts in Amarillo.

As the council prepares for the finalization of the budget, officials are committed to ensuring transparency in how funds are allocated and spent. They plan to communicate clearly with the public about the changes being made, particularly regarding the restructuring of departments and the financial implications of these decisions.

In conclusion, the discussions at the workshop reflect a proactive approach by the Amarillo City Council to enhance budget management and improve public safety services, ultimately aiming to better serve the community's needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.