Among the potential expenses this year is the purchasing of personal protective equipment for the public works department, which Council Member Ronald Raymaker said would be a one-time purchase to ensure the safety of crew members.
"I was thinking that because of [coronavirus], we might increase the budget this year so we can stock up on masks and whatever we need for future years," Raymaker said. "It won't be a year-over-year thing."
The current proposed budget for FY 2020-2021 shows there is $500 set aside for safety gear and first aid equipment, which Raymaker suggested increasing.
Council Member Michael McLeod suggested keeping the purchased equipment in a storehouse facility due to the sensitive nature of the equipment.
"Basically, we buy it as emergency, we use it as we have an emergency, and if we don't use it, it gets shuffled out somewhere else so the emergency stock stays fresh," McLeod said. "It's kind of like fuel, right? You have to keep your fuel cycled. It wouldn't be a bad idea to start thinking about what kinds of things [we need]."
McLeod said some protective equipment should be able to last for quite some time.
The Shenandoah Council tasked City Administrator Kathie Reyer with researching the costs of masks and gloves, as well as how long they are expected to last, before budget workshops begin later this summer.
No official decisions were made throughout the meeting, as the budget talks were listed as discussion items only.
Further budget talks are anticipated during future council meetings.
