City Manager Hausman presented the City of Fort Atkinson’s 2024 year‑end financial summary and asked the council to approve $325,034.73 in carryovers to 2025.

Hausman told the council that the city’s positive variance was driven chiefly by unexpectedly strong interest income: staff reported approximately $1,049,823 in interest income in 2024 compared with a 2024 adopted budget line of about $95,000. He said the city borrowed for general obligation purposes in 2024 but did not immediately spend all proceeds, allowing those funds to earn higher interest. Hausman also described a $500,000 reimbursement to the general fund for a 2023 land purchase for the public works and parks facility and a $544,000 transfer of defederalized ARPA funds to an assigned fund balance for planned uses.

On expenditures, Hausman flagged overages tied to 2023 storm work (forestry and compost) and fire department overtime driven by minimum staffing constraints; he said police and fire vehicle repair costs were partially offset by insurance recoveries. Several accounts were underspent, including health and dental, due to staffing changes and unfilled positions.

Houseman (sic) reported an estimated net increase to the city’s fund balance of just under $2 million pending completion of the 2024 audit, expected in May 2025. The council approved the listed carryovers, which staff said include corridor planning (Main Street and Janesville Avenue), fire uniform purchases funded by donation, pool and park items, and other timing‑based program expenses.

Key figures and clarifications

- Estimated interest income (2024): $1,049,823 (reported by staff).
- Carryover total approved: $325,034.73.
- Reported voter turnout for the April 1 spring election: 4,457 votes (about 59% turnout).
- Estimated additional tax revenue to taxing jurisdictions when TID No. 8 closes (projection using 2024 mill rate): about $390,000 in 2026 (staff estimate).

Manager Hausman and councilmembers described 2024 as a strong fiscal year given interest‑rate conditions and conservative budgeting decisions; the council approved the carryovers and directed staff to reflect them in the 2025 budget and accounting.