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Jacksonville council approves $1.9 million midyear spending increase, cites one‑time financing
Summary
City council approved midyear budget amendments that increase revenue by about $1.5 million and expenditures by about $1.9 million, driven largely by financing for ambulance and wastewater projects and carryover grant funds.
Jacksonville — The City Council on Tuesday approved midyear adjustments to the fiscal 2025 budget that increase projected revenue by roughly $1.5 million and expenditures by about $1.9 million, finance director Roxanna Bryant told the council.
Bryant said the city had collected approximately $30,000,000 in revenue as of March 31, representing "just over 70%" of the adopted budget and that a large portion of the current-year increase stems from the issuance of the Series 2024B certificates of obligation for the wastewater treatment plant and from financing proceeds for emergency equipment.
The midyear review, presented as an ordinance, would reallocate money across funds to reflect updated revenue estimates, new grant receipts and the timing of capital projects. Key changes include recognition of approximately $11,700,000 related to the Series 2024B certificates of obligation in the utility fund and a $381,000 carryover of ARPA funds and $144,000 of Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO) funding for substandard-structure demolition. Staff also added roughly $1,200,000 of financing proceeds tied to ambulance equipment and a Vactor truck that will be purchased through five‑year capital lease financing.
On the revenue side, Bryant said ad valorem tax collections were strong (more than 92% collected of a $6,700,000 budgeted amount at the March snapshot). Sales tax was reported at about $1.8 million (roughly 52% of a $3.5 million budget), an increase of about 14% year over year. Water, sewer and sanitation revenues showed modest increases; ambulance fees and hotel‑motel occupancy taxes were noted as declining year over year.
Expenditures rose mainly from capital and one‑time costs: the boating access project at Lake Jacksonville spent about $512,000 through March; police vehicle replacement spending totaled roughly $176,000 for three vehicles; and the Nichols Green trunk line project was budgeted at $575,000 with planning underway. The capital projects fund balance decreased to $4,900,000, which staff said was expected as projects advance.
Council action: Councilwoman Letitia Horace moved to adopt the ordinance to implement the midyear adjustments; Councilwoman Mindy Gellert seconded the motion. The motion carried with all members voting in favor.
Why it matters: City staff said the amendments align the budget with actual grant timing, financing decisions and project schedules and preserve fund balances for ongoing operations and infrastructure. The combined projected ending fund balance across all funds after amendments was shown as just over $11,000,000.
The finance director answered council questions about timing of property tax collections and cash held in escrow for Texas Water Development Board projects; she said escrowed funds are reimbursed to the city as project expenditures are submitted to the board. The council approved the amendments without opposition.
