Council hears first reading of budget amendment carrying forward multi-year project funds

Ashley Rencher, finance director, presented the first reading of Ordinance 25‑007, which would authorize Budget Amendment No. 1 to the 2025 budget to carry forward 2024 budgeted items and cost savings into 2025.

Rencher said the ordinance carries forward approximately $700,000 in the general fund — largely supplies, services and furniture — including $85,000 to replenish a retirement payout contingency account and a $350,000 carryforward for Shady Acres remediation. The capital improvement plan (CIP) carryforwards include about $7.3 million for multi-year parks, street and facilities projects and ordered equipment arriving in 2025. Enterprise funds carry forward roughly $4.3 million for multi-year airport, golf course and solid-waste projects; the amendment also includes $1.57 million in anticipated FAA and DOT airport grants.

Special revenue funds noted included about $251,000 for Dakota Bank Center capital projects and $201,000 for drainage projects at Arrowhead Park and Madera Avenue Bridal, plus $12,100 for state permitting engineering work. The amendment also brings forward nearly $1.1 million in remaining capital project fund balances for items such as University Boulevard finalization, Twentieth Street interchange work and consulting on the public safety facility project. A $650,000 transfer from TIF 11 revenues into the CIP fund for the Twentieth Street South shared-use path was described as an acceleration of that project.

Rencher said a detailed listing by account is in the council packet and that the second reading is scheduled for March 11. Councilors asked clarifying questions about a building sinking fund described as a reserve for unplanned building repairs.