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Finance committee amends several budget line items, approves reductions and reallocations by unanimous votes
Summary
Members moved and voted on multiple line‑item adjustments affecting outside agency allocations, maintenance contracts and internal accounts, including Cypress Partners, executive‑time maintenance, language‑line access and tree/beautification allocations; the committee recorded unanimous (4–0) votes on each amendment.
The Homewood Finance Committee on Sept. 24 approved a series of line‑item amendments and reallocations to the draft FY2025–26 budget during a focused review of external organization allocations and other miscellaneous expenses.
Key committee actions (motions passed by recorded voice votes at the Sept. 24 meeting):
- Cypress Partners line revised to $7,200 (motion carried 4–0). Committee discussion indicated the change reflected a rental/maintenance arrangement tied to dumpsters and a corrected annual figure. The chair recorded the motion as made by “mister Qualtney” with a second from “mister Harden.”
- Executive Time annual maintenance (account 11‑5‑2400) zeroed out (motion carried 4–0). Committee members said most departments now use Paycom and the Executive Time fee was no longer needed; the motion was recorded from “mister Baldney” with a second from “mister Harden.”
- Language‑line access maintenance (annual charge ~ $8,100) zeroed out (motion carried 4–0).
- Beautification Board allocation reduced from $15,500 back to the historical $10,000 (motion carried 4–0). The committee discussed prior special projects that had temporarily increased the line and voted to restore the customary annual level; the motion was recorded from Councilor John Hartman with a second recorded during roll call.
- Tree/urban‑canopy funding (intercity planning line) increased from $20,000 to $40,000 to support replacement and heavier maintenance after recent summer losses (motion carried 4–0). The committee emphasized increased tree mortality in several neighborhoods and approved the larger appropriation.
- Bell Center allocation increased from $5,000 to $10,000 (motion carried 4–0). Members described the center’s local services in support of the decision.
- City manager discretionary account (last line item discussed) was zeroed out by motion and approved 4–0.
Committee members also adjusted credit‑card fee estimates (restoring a previously lowered projection back to $20,000), corrected tire/vehicle maintenance transfers into the city maintenance budget (Blake’s budget), and agreed to reclassify certain lines so that legacy or one‑time costs are not carried as recurring general‑fund obligations.
The motions were taken as amendments to the draft budget; staff said the revised line items will be reflected in the printed budget that goes to the full council for a final vote Monday.
