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Legislators approve $410M in carryforwards amid questions on accounting and a $27,000 VA utility vehicle
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Summary
The committee approved 66 BA‑7 carryforward instruments totaling roughly $410 million in state general fund and $623 million total financing while members pressed staff about how carryforwards affect EOB accounting and questioned a $27,000 vehicle purchase listed as a "golf cart."
The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget on Aug. 8 approved 66 carryforward budget adjustments (BA‑7s) that staff said represent bona fide obligations from fiscal 2025 that agencies seek authority to spend in fiscal 2026.
Roger Husser of the Office of Facility Planning and Control and Alan Boksberger of the Legislative Fiscal Office presented the instruments and recommended approval. Boksberger told the committee his office reviewed the encumbrances and recommended approval.
Nut graf: Committee members approved the carryforwards — roughly $410 million of state general fund and $623 million total means of financing, according to staff — but several members pressed for stronger post‑approval reporting and questioned specific items, including an item for the Department of Veterans Affairs described in the packet as a $27,000 “golf cart.”
Alan Boksberger said the review focused on whether a valid encumbrance existed but not on purchase choices: "The fiscal offices review of these instruments are to determine if there's a valid encumbrance. We do not weigh the merits of any individual purchase. Those decisions are largely left up to the agency administrators." Representative Bagley flagged the $27,000 item and asked why similar vehicles on state contract were listed at lower prices. Boksberger and staff explained the vendor descriptions and operating needs could explain price differences; staff noted some items may already be paid and would be removed from the carryforward if liquidated prior to Aug. 15.
The chair, Representative MacFarlane, moved approval of the global BA‑7 package; the motion carried. Representative LaFleur also moved and the committee approved giving the commissioner authority to reduce BA‑7 amounts for items liquidated before Aug. 15.
Members asked for post‑approval transparency: staff agreed to publish monthly adjustments and to provide summaries showing which carryforwards were liquidated and any resulting net reductions that would appear on the fiscal status. Representative Barrow requested direct notification and said she would review liquidations for items in her district.
Ending: Members signaled they would follow up on specific high‑cost items and track monthly posts to the committee website; staff said they will provide updated liquidation totals and explanatory material at the next meeting.
