City reviews biennial budget highlighting rising facilities and police costs

The City of Lake Forest Park's Budget & Finance Committee recently reviewed the biennial budget for 2025, highlighting a 16.7% expenditure rate that reflects both ongoing and one-time costs. While some budget areas are showing early signs of overspending, officials remain optimistic about managing these expenses effectively.

A key point of discussion was the CrimeWatch budget, which, despite being small, is currently exceeding its allocated funds. The committee noted that the dispatch costs are being managed well, with invoices from Norcom being paid promptly. However, there were some discrepancies in the executive line item related to AWC invoices, which will be corrected and reallocated to the appropriate memberships line item.

Facilities costs are a growing concern, as the city is experiencing increased expenses related to City Hall maintenance. The director of public works is actively addressing these issues, but the committee anticipates needing to amend the budget to accommodate these rising costs in the near future.

The police budget is also slightly over budget at 17%, primarily due to annual insurance costs. Other areas, such as municipal services and community programs, are being monitored closely, with many costs categorized as annual and expected to stabilize over time.

As the committee prepares for future budget amendments, they are committed to ensuring that the city's financial health remains a priority, addressing any overspending while maintaining essential services for residents. The next steps will involve a thorough review of the budget to ensure that all expenditures align with the community's needs and goals.