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Police Chief Jason Arnold detailed rising expenses within his department, citing a costly new contract for Axon body cameras. Arnold noted that a lack of consistent contact with the company following a personnel change led to a price hike.

When questioned by Alderman Charles Cole on whether cheaper alternatives exist, Arnold defended the choice, stating, "You get what you pay for." He added that neighboring agencies, including the Gallatin Police Department and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, are also transitioning to Axon technology. The police budget is further impacted by an increase in health insurance enrollments for officers' spouses and children.

Meanwhile, discussion ensued about the Portland Fire Department and a potential transition to a 21-day pay cycle to alter overtime calculations and save the city money. However, Fire Chief Sam Thornton expressed concerns, stating he wants base yearly salaries to remain unchanged regardless of the cycle. He noted that the fire department would be the only agency to see a financial loss under the proposed change.

Cole noted that if pay had to be raised to not cost the fire employees money, then why change? There will be more discussion on how to manage that closer to the adoption of a new budget.

The city is also preparing to take over maintenance of new stretches of roadway, including Highway 109. Although the state will deliver the roads in good condition, the city will eventually assume the costs for paving, salt, snow removal, and drainage.

"The city does not necessarily want the extra roads, but they have to take them and they have to be maintained," Alderman Vince Ellis said.

Mayor Mike Callis suggested that a proposed 0.5% local option sales tax increase on the May 5 ballot could be the solution to these fiscal woes. Callis estimated the increase could generate $1.4 million in its first year.

"If we could tap into the local option sales tax... that would help ease some of your pressure on that instead of putting the burden on the property tax," Callis said. Early voting for the tax measure begins in April.

Without a completed audit or a quorum, the current figures remain projections. Chief Arnold noted that his department is actively seeking grants to offset rising costs. City leaders encouraged aldermen to submit specific concerns for review as more detailed financial reports become available in the coming weeks.