Denison council approves $292,687 in quarter‑one budget amendments

The Denison City Council on Monday approved quarter‑one amendments totaling $292,687 to the fiscal year 2025 operating budget.

Lori Alsibal, a city staff member, said, "The total amendment amount is $292,687, and that will equate to around 2 and a quarter days of reserves." She told the council the requested changes cover overages in the general fund and a reallocation of mowing funds; there are no amendments requested for the utility fund.

The amendments were presented in two parts: part one covers unplanned overages — most tied to unforeseen vehicle expenses — and one non‑vehicle item, an unpaid information‑technology invoice discovered after the start of the fiscal year. Alsibal said the IT invoice was discovered in November and staff referenced a prior‑year amount of about $70,000 that had not been recorded.

Part two shifts funds previously used to contract mowing services into supplies, equipment and staffing to perform mowing in house. Amanda Parsons, a city staff member, answered council questions about staffing and confirmed the plan calls for four full‑time hires. Council members were told the $97,000 salary line shown in the packet covers roughly six months of payroll because hires would begin near the growing season.

Councilmember questions also touched on equipment purchases. Alsibal said the city has purchased one robotic mower used at the dams on Randall Lake and that automated mowers are a possible future purchase for other sites.

Mayor Pro Tem Adams moved to approve the quarter‑one amendments; Councilman Massey seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

The council recorded no further actions tied to the amendments; staff said future quarterly amendments will be presented if needed.