Finance Committee, 10/15/26

The City of Norman Finance Committee met on October 15, 2026. Members discussed establishing department-wide cost codes to track staff time and other expenses related to the turnpike, with emergency-response activity potentially tracked through dispatch and police/fire reporting systems. Staff agreed to set up the accounts and provide monthly updates as activity occurs, and to check whether any costs associated with the water wells can be backfilled. The city reported that an approximately $8.9 million payment related to the OTA water-well arrangement had been deposited in the Water Utility Fund. No procurement award or spending authorization was approved. Staff expects to bring a recommendation to add three firefighter positions at a future meeting; hiring would also require additional turnout gear and equipment, but no purchase was authorized.

The committee reviewed monthly revenues and expenditures, including stronger-than-budgeted sales, water, sewer, and development-related revenues, as well as concerns about overtime spending and insurance costs. Staff reported FEMA approval of reimbursement for the July 4 storm response; Norman’s claims were approximately $4.5 million, including debris removal and the value of the Mesta Building, and staff expects further details on timing and allowable uses after a meeting with FEMA and state officials. Members discussed whether eligible reimbursement could contribute to a fire-station project, subject to FEMA rules. No vote was recorded on these items.