An outside auditor presented the cityof Bolivarannual audit and told the City Council the report was "unqualified, meaning the books were clean," and the council voted to accept the audit and advance budget ordinances and amendments for further review.

The auditor told the council the government-wide and fund statements show the city sitting on roughly $4 million in the bank in the general fund and noted a fund balance in the governmental funds and proprietary funds that the auditor described as "very strong". The council then took first readings of the tax-and-budget ordinances for fiscal 2025-26 and approved a package of budget amendments that adjust grant and project accounts.

The audit provides the immediate financial context for the budget items because it affirms the city's accounting and reporting. The audit also flagged a recurring bid-process finding from last year that the auditor expects the city to correct in the coming year.

Auditor Joey, who presented the report, said the balance sheet for governmental funds shows approximately $4,000,000 in the general fund and that proprietary funds (water and sewer, natural gas and sanitation) held several million dollars cumulatively. He described small year-to-year swings in the general fund as a routine occurrence and not an ongoing trend.

Council members discussed delivery of the audit materials before the meeting; one member said the electronic copy was new to their inbox and requested a physical booklet for easier review. The auditor and staff said hard copies had been delivered the prior month and agreed to provide additional printed copies.

On motions, the council accepted the audit: the motion to accept was moved by Councilwoman Ray and seconded by Councilman Woods; the clerk called the roll and several members recorded "aye" and the motion carried.

Council also took first readings of two budget ordinances: a motion to adopt the annual budget and tax rate for fiscal year starting 07/01/2025, and a separate ordinance making budget amendments to balance grants and one-time project overages. The amendments listed several larger items, including additional expenditures tied to Tate Road, police task force costs, repairs to a ladder truck, and purchases for public-safety equipment. The budget presented to the council projects total revenues of $7,229,000 and total expenditures of $7,209,975, leaving a small planned contribution to fund balance.

The council scheduled a special-called meeting for the second and final reading of the budget for Monday, June 23, at 6 p.m., per the mayor's announcement.

The council also approved, on first reading, a separate amendment to the municipal code to adjust court costs consistent with state guidance; that ordinance will proceed to a second reading as well.

The council indicated it will review the auditorfinding about bid procedures and expects corrective action; no additional formal direction beyond accepting the audit and proceeding with the budget readings was recorded.

The council will hold the required second readings and public hearings at the special meeting; members and staff said they would circulate printed packets and further details before that session.