Cathi Forsythe

The Finance Committee meeting agenda included several key items for discussion and possible decision. Discussions were scheduled regarding a Forgivable Loan for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, which requires Council approval on a future date, and an update on 2025 property tax data from Multnomah County. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the annual preparation and approval of the Mayor & Council Compensation Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026/27. The committee also planned to follow up on items from the January 21, 2026 meeting and review project updates.

The Public Safety Levy Advisory Subcommittee presented its 2025 annual report to the City Council, covering their oversight activities since their formal creation in January 2025. The subcommittee met five times, reviewing operational needs and staffing challenges for the Gresham Fire and Police departments funded by the 2024 voter-approved levy. Financially, the levy collected $12,549,898 in its first fiscal year, with $11,094,890 spent, resulting in an unaudited balance of $1,555,008 as of June 30, 2025. Staffing updates indicated that 40 police positions (including five new sworn positions) and 33 fire department positions were funded, with most positions filled. Police operational enhancements included expanding the community safety specialist team (four of six positions filled) and reopening the Rockwood station. Fire department improvements included fully staffing Engine and Rescue 72 and restoring school fire safety inspections for the first time in 16 years, with two new fire inspectors hired.

The Finance Committee meeting agenda included several key items for discussion and action. Topics covered included the election of a Chair to fill a vacancy, public comment, review of the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Audit Results, and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Operational matters included discussion on a Facility Lease for the Police Training Facility, a Budget Adjustment to Accept and Appropriate a Department of Homeland Security grant for firefighter health assessments and equipment, and a review of the Public Safety Levy Advisory Subcommittee Year 1 Report. Further items involved an update on property tax data from Multnomah County, review of the FY 2025/26 Budget to Actual Report (Quarter 2), and review of the 2026 Finance/Budget Committee Calendar.

The agenda includes an ethics training session covering Oregon Statutes and City rules on Public Meetings, Public Records, and Ethics. An investment performance review will be presented, along with updates on various projects and key initiatives. The committee will also discuss the draft minutes from the October 15, 2025, meeting, which covered the General Fund Forecast and the FY 2025/26 Supplemental Budget, including discussions on budget increases, personnel costs, and funding structures for various programs.

The Gresham Budget Committee convened to discuss the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2022-23. Key topics included the city manager's outline of the overall financial approach, strategies for fiscal year 22-23, and the incorporation of federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act. The committee reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting and addressed questions regarding the allocation and future plans for ARPA funding, particularly concerning housing, homelessness support, and youth violence prevention. Discussions also covered the Services Coordination Team, the net enforcement team, intergovernmental agreements with neighboring cities, and branding activities.