Finance Report Reveals June Budget Performance and Utility Fund Adjustments

Balch Springs City Council reviewed its financial performance during a meeting on August 25, 2025, revealing a mixed fiscal picture as of June. The city is currently operating at 75% of its budget, with franchise fees exceeding projections due to advance payments from Encore. Property tax revenue stands at 104.25%, although the city has issued refunds to the Dallas Central Appraisal District for some tax protests.

Building permits have significantly boosted revenue from licenses and fees, which is currently at 137.6%. Traffic ticket revenue has also contributed to fines and forfeitures reaching 97.58% of the budget. However, sales tax revenue is lagging at 77.57%, reflecting a two-month delay in reporting.

In terms of expenditures, the city is at 58.21%, primarily due to vacancies in various departments. The utility fund's revenue is at 70.6%, slightly below expectations, as adjustments were made based on actual collections rather than total billed amounts. Water tap fees are notably low at 29.73%.

The council also discussed special revenues, capital improvements, and debt service, with the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund showing strong revenue at 109.8%. Overall, the city’s cash balance has decreased to approximately $50.5 million, attributed to timing in revenue collection and increased project expenditures.

The meeting underscored the importance of monitoring financial health as the city navigates its budgetary challenges while planning for future projects and investments. The council remains committed to addressing these financial dynamics to ensure continued service delivery and community development.