Flippin City Council passes short term budget amid concerns of cuts

A meeting with a short agenda prompted lengthy discussion as the Flippin City Council tackled its 2025 budget Tuesday night.It was a packed room in the council chambers, with nearly 40 people attending the over two-hour meeting. The city’s Police and Fire Departments were represented as their departments took center stage in possible cutbacks proposed in the 2025 operating budget, which had not been passed by the council in February. The council had withheld approval of the proposed budget due to concerns over deficits from the end of 2024, which needed to be reconciled.Councilwoman Jodi Howard stated that the general fund alone had a deficit of around $424,000, with Councilwoman Lacie Bettencourt adding that this meant the city had overspent in the previous year. Discussion among council members and Mayor Heath Hogan revolved around the cuts needed to balance the budget.
Cuts of $76,000 to the Police Department were included in the new budget. The council believed that a 1% sales and use tax passed the previous year— – of which the Police Department received a quarter— – would make up for the funding loss.

Mayor Hogan allowed time for public comment on the budget. Concerns raised included fears that police budget cuts could lead to the loss of critical staff, as the city already has one of the lowest law enforcement compensation levels in the area. Others argued that reductions in funding would put officers at risk by leaving them ill-equipped and undertrained. One citizen stated that the new taxes didn’t yet have a proven track record and suggested that cuts should be made elsewhere instead of in the Police and Fire Departments.

City Attorney Sam Pasthing recommended that the council present a fully transparent breakdown of the budget to the public to address concerns about fund allocation.

An exchange began when Police Chief John Spence asked the council why the city had overspent its budget in 2024. He questioned whether the addition of the new city hall, increased utility costs, and additional staffing had contributed to higher expenses.

Councilwoman Margaret Ott stated that she had been assured at the time of the new city hall’s purchase that it would not create a financial hardship for the city. Councilwoman Bettencourt noted that council members had only received the proposed budget minutes before the meeting began. However, members of the Police Department disputed this, stating that the cuts had been discussed in previous budget meetings. Chief Spence confirmed that the issue had been addressed in open meetings and in discussions between him and the mayor.

Mayor Hogan continued to stress the urgency of passing the 2025 budget. City Clerk Jessica Beals echoed his concerns, noting that the city was still operating under the 2024 budget figures and that the General Fund could run into the negative within days. Chief Spence added that without an approved budget, his department would be unable to apply for grants to secure additional funding.

City Attorney Pasthing proposed a compromise: passing a temporary budget through April 30 to provide necessary funding while allowing the council more time for review. A motion was made by Councilman Tony Ford and seconded by Councilwoman Ott. However, neither Councilwoman Howard nor Councilwoman Bettencourt provided a third vote, resulting in a tie. Mayor Hogan cast the deciding vote in favor of the motion, allowing the budget to pass.

The council will revisit the 2025 budget at its next meeting on April 22, aiming to approve a full-year budget at that time.

A fire department report was presented by Kevin Gomez, and a police department report was given by Chief Spence.

In new business, Councilwoman Howard proposed extending the city’s hiring freeze through December 31, 2025. A condition was added allowing the city to fill critical positions if they became vacant. The motion passed unanimously.

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