Development News for Midwest City, Oklahoma

Utilities Authority Approves Budget and $1.5M Contract for Hiwassee Lift Station Upgrade

The Midwest City Utilities Authority approved its budget, with a $2,000 figure prompting a request for debate from one council member. The authority also approved a contract with Purist Services for $1,571,456.21 to address issues at the Hiwassee lift station, identified as phase one of repairs from the Eastside sewer master plan. This project aims to resolve security concerns, replace pumps, and install backup power generation, a critical step following a previous sewer moratorium.

Midwest City Approves Record $210 Million Budget, Praised for Efficiency and Fiscal Responsibility

The City Council reviewed and approved the city's budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget, totaling $210,711,519, was presented as the best the city has ever put together, reflecting significant work and fiscal responsibility. The budget process involved extensive forecasting of revenues, including sales tax which is identified as the lifeblood of Midwest City, and meticulous line-by-line review of departmental expenses. Council members praised the staff for their thoroughness and efficiency, noting it was the earliest budget approval in the city's history. Citizen feedback highlighted concerns about public waste and its financial impact on the budget, particularly regarding code enforcement and police department expenditures due to non-compliance with laws and property maintenance.

Hospital Authority Approves Budget, MAC Contract, and Carburetor Alley Land Acquisition

The Hospital Authority reviewed and approved its budget and a contract with Lippert for the Multi-Athletic Complex (MAC). They also discussed approving and amending an assignment of commercial land from Peacetime Properties related to the Carburetor Alley project, intended for roads, landscape, and parking to enhance walkability. Concerns were raised about the cost of cleaning up the acquired 'dump' property, estimated to exceed the $130,000 purchase price. Additionally, the authority discussed reallocating assets and changing fund managers on their investment policy, noting no action was needed on that specific item.

Fire Department Union Ratifies Two-Year Contract with 2% Raise and Residency Incentive

The City Council approved collective bargaining agreements for both the fire department and the police department. Both agreements are for two years and include a 2% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for each year, alongside other benefits like longevity increases. The fire department contract also introduced a residency incentive for firefighters to live within Midwest City. For the police, the residency incentive was already in place. Both contracts aim to support and retain essential public safety personnel.