Show Notes
After weeks of talking about how cities are funded through taxes, Mike and Dave explore enterprise funds, the most business-like way municipalities are funded. This includes fees for water, trash, storm water and other utility services, including gas and broadband, which a handful of cities manage. Mike and Dave also discuss the importance of keeping up with rising utility costs and the problem many cities run into when they avoid fee increases until it’s too late.
More from The OML Podcast
Dave flies solo (no Mike) at the OML conference, joined by Suzie Paulson, Associate General Counsel at the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group (OMAG), and Micah Gaudet, a national expert on AI in local government. The three discussed artificial intelligence in municipal government, including how to use it to its fullest while also implementing important safeguards.
Live from the OML conference in Tulsa, Mike and Dave spoke with Claremore City Manager John Feary about what's happening in his city. They also talked about economic development, retaining young talent in cities and towns, investments in core services, data centers, the constitutional convention and more.
From the center of the OML Conference, Mike and Dave spoke with Jorge Jonas and Trevor Davenport about the Oklahoma Cooperative Liquid Assets Securities System (CLASS), an investment pool option for Oklahoma cities and towns.
With the OML Conference one week away, Mike and Dave welcome Sarah Lingenfelter, Director of Education and Programs, and Leslie Blair, Director of Legislative Affairs and Communications, to discuss final preparations ahead of OML’s biggest week of the year. The conversation covered the conference’s mobile app, where attendees can view session descriptions and build their schedule, session highlights, including deep dives into AI and data centers, and many other events.
Inflation is normal, but the recent increase in costs feels like another level. Just look at the rising cost of fire trucks. In this episode, Mike and Dave are joined by Christian Rinehart, general counsel of OML, and Matt Sill, with the law firm Fulmer Sill. Matt discussed his research into market manipulation within the fire equipment industry, along with a current lawsuit he is leading and how it could impact cities and towns.