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authorized by the 2022 Appropriation Ordinance and the Administrative Code of <br /> the City of Lakewood with the lowest and best bidder or bidders or as otherwise <br /> provided by law. <br /> Chairman Shachner explained that Ord. 20-2022 would authorize spending caps on certain line <br /> items to be increased. Chairman Shachner acknowledged the need for increases due to rising <br /> inflation. He asked about the $100,000 increase in legal services and if this has been a consistent <br /> expense. <br /> Director Rancatore explained that the City is planning to use outside legal counsel for labor <br /> negotiations at the end of this year and needs financial flexibility since those costs are unknown. <br /> Director Corrigan added that part of the increase can be attributed to labor issues that have been <br /> brought to arbitration and unanticipated fees related to the Marine Towers West garage collapse. <br /> The city is working to recoup some of those legal fees. <br /> Councilmember Bullock asked for a breakdown including more detail on the uses of the <br /> $100,000 increase in legal services. <br /> Councilmember Shachner asked for more information about the $225,000 increase in the <br /> government agreements line item. <br /> Director Rancatore explained that a large portion of the increase is to distribute the Rockport TIF <br /> funds to the library, which had not been done in several years. He estimated that approximately <br /> $25,000 of the $225,000 is for other expenses. <br /> Councilmember Kepple asked for more information about the increase in jail services. <br /> Chief Kaucheck explained that anyone sentenced under state code in Lakewood Municipal Court <br /> must serve their sentence at the County jail. However, due to Covid, the County jail shut down <br /> and with a few exceptions, remains shut down. He explained that the City must pay $100/day to <br /> instead bring prisoners to Portage County jail. The City is attempting to seek reimbursement <br /> from the County but is uncertain if it will receive the reimbursement. The city has compared <br /> prices at other jails and Portage County is the cheapest. <br /> In response to a question, Chief Kaucheck explained the requested increase for ammunition. <br /> Councilmember Bullock remarked on the increasing price of gas and noted the benefits of <br /> electric vehicles. <br /> A motion was made and seconded to recommend Ordinance 20-2022 for adoption. All members <br /> voted in favor. Motion passed. <br /> Finance Committee adjourned at 6:47 p.m. <br /> 3 <br />