The boroughfinance director told the Finance Committee on Sept. 10 that the borough began August with $28,912,362 in cash, received $2,861,516 in receipts and spent $2,196,921, leaving an ending cash balance of about $29,000,005.76. Barb, the director, delivered the monthly financial report.

Why it matters: the report identified several revenue items likely to miss 2025 budget targets, and a small but concerning cash position in the liquid fuels fund that could constrain winter operations.

Barb said the due-to/due-from balances as of Aug. 31 were elevated, driven mainly by capital expenses that currently lack cash and are temporarily fronted from the general fund. "The capital budget for 2025, the revenues are dependent mainly on grants, and we don't get the grant reimbursements until we've paid the invoice," she said, adding that grant reimbursements typically arrive 60 to 90 days after submission. She said she expects most interfund transfers to be settled by year end.

On revenues, Barb reported that prior-year real estate taxes and interest income were outperforming budget, but she listed several shortfalls projected for 2025. The borough may not receive the remaining $55,000 of a PHMIC refund and may need to consult Benecon to confirm. District court fines are projected to fall short by about $100,000, building permit revenue is projected to miss its $600,000 target by roughly $285,000, and parking garage revenues are likely to fall about $300,000 short. Barb said the building permit shortfall stems in part from a major land-development project not moving forward as assumed when the budget was adopted.

The director described planned offsets: using fund balance to cover the district court shortfall, reducing consultant spending to cover permit revenue gaps and adjustments already made in the 2026 budget for parking assumptions. On expenses, legal and employment-related fees are running above budget, and Barb cautioned legal costs will likely continue to rise through year end.

Barb also warned about the liquid fuels fund: as of Aug. 31 it held about $256,000 in cash, with a remaining $55,000 obligation on a paving project and an expected roughly $100,000 for winter salt purchases. "So that only leaves us around $150,000 through April," she said, urging coordination with public works to manage cash flow.

Committee members asked for follow-up on specific items. One member asked why district court revenue estimates had been overstated; Barb said the distribution varies by court and that staff will review the estimates. Committee members and staff noted alternative budget adjustments and said they will revisit some lines in October or November if revenue shortfalls persist.

The committee took no ordinance-level action on these items at the meeting; the report was informational and staff were asked to return with further details if needed.

Less critical details: the director noted the borough submitted the reimbursement claim for a $200,000 litter truck and that updates on Hoops Park and VPP projects were pending and would be provided next month.