Councilor Cassett questions discrepancies in public utilities budget reports

During the recent budget meeting held by the Santa Fe City Council, significant discussions centered around discrepancies in the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, particularly regarding the public utilities budget. Council members expressed concerns over conflicting figures presented in the PowerPoint and budget book, highlighting a potential misunderstanding of the operational budget and its implications for capital improvements.

Councilor Cassett raised questions about the predicted annual revenues, which are estimated at over $8 billion, and the proposed budget for utilities, which stands at $700,000. The discussion revealed that the operational budget includes costs from multiple enterprise funds, leading to double counting in the utility billing division. This clarification was crucial for understanding the overall financial picture and ensuring accurate budget planning.

Further scrutiny revealed additional discrepancies in actual expenditures for previous years. The PowerPoint indicated $57 million in spending for fiscal year 2023, while the budget book reported $65 million. Similar inconsistencies were noted for fiscal year 2024, with figures of $66 million versus $74.8 million. These differences were attributed to expenditures by utilities administration, which had not been fully accounted for in the initial presentations.

The meeting underscored the importance of clear communication and accurate financial reporting as the city prepares for future capital improvement needs. As the council continues to refine the budget, residents can expect ongoing discussions aimed at ensuring transparency and effective allocation of resources to meet community needs. The next steps will involve reconciling these figures to provide a clearer financial outlook for Santa Fe's public utilities.