The City of Fenton's Board of Aldermen convened on August 7, 2025, to discuss significant developments impacting the community, including a new financial software system and the development of a public park.

In a move to modernize its financial operations, the board reviewed proposals for new financial software services. City Administrator Nikki Finkfeiner presented bids from two companies: BSNA Software and Edmonds GovTech. BSNA's initial bid was $71,910, with an annual fee of $12,870 thereafter, while Edmonds offered a lower starting bid of $36,500, but with a higher annual fee of $17,007.50 after the first year. The current software has been in use for over 20 years and has been increasingly problematic, prompting the need for an upgrade. Alderman Mazurang emphasized the importance of selecting a solution that would last long-term, noting that BSNA's proposal included five years of data conversion and on-site training, which could enhance usability and efficiency.

The board ultimately voted to proceed with BSNA Software, recognizing the potential long-term savings and improved functionality it could provide. This decision is expected to streamline financial processes and enhance security, addressing concerns about the current system's vulnerabilities.

In addition to the software discussion, the board also reviewed plans for the Budwell Annex, a 12-acre property purchased in 2018 intended for public park development. The project will be executed in two phases, with Phase 1 focusing on creating access roads, parking, and ADA-compliant trails, estimated to cost $1.7 million. The city has secured a $350,000 grant for this phase. Phase 2 will include additional amenities such as restrooms and a pavilion, with an estimated cost of $990,000. The board is seeking approval to move forward with engineering plans to ensure timely construction.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the city’s commitment to enhancing its financial management systems and expanding recreational opportunities for residents, aligning with broader community goals of modernization and accessibility.