Finance report shows tight hospitalization fund; council acknowledged new full‑time firefighter hire

Shelby City Council received the finance and personnel committee report showing current fund balances and heard that the city recently hired a full‑time firefighter.

Councilman McLaughlin presented the report and said the general fund balance (after encumbrances) for Sept. 30 was about $9.915 million. He pointed out the hospitalization (health insurance) reserve fell below the city’s comfort level: the report showed a balance below the target of $360,000 and indicated the city may later transfer funds to that account.

The report noted income‑tax collections were up year‑to‑date (individual and business income tax up roughly 8%, total collections up about 12% for the year), but flagged that some manufacturing firms are slowing. The report also listed bank holdings and CD maturities, and noted water fund balances were improving though still tight; a large fourth‑quarter expense identified for the water fund was chemical purchases estimated in the tens of thousands of dollars.

For personnel, council acknowledged the hire of Colin McBride (full‑time firefighter), which the report said brings the fire department to a 3‑5 man shift schedule plus a full‑time floater to cover Kelly days, sick days and vacation. McBride’s start date was stated as two days after the report.

Council moved to receive and file the combined financial statement and cash investment reconciliation statement dated Sept. 30, 2024, and to post both to the city website; the motion passed on roll call.

No formal budget transfers were approved at the meeting; councilmembers said they would consider a future transfer if needed to shore up the hospitalization fund.