Commission approves $749,797.99 in fiscal-year reserves to cover outstanding obligations

Norfolk County staff asked the commission on July 9 to approve a reserve for outstanding fiscal‑year 2025 obligations and the commission approved reserving $749,797.99.

Procurement staff told commissioners the exercise gathers department requests for funds that should be held open into fiscal year 2026 so the county can make payments on outstanding purchase orders and obligations. "We do request your approval for the treasurer to reserve a total of $749,797.99," the presenter said. Earlier in the discussion staff also cited a slightly different total, $749,806.99, during the review process; the motion recorded and approved in the minutes is $749,797.99.

Staff explained these reserves include both operating and capital items and reflect obligations that have purchase orders or other encumbrances. Commissioners asked how the reserved amounts appear in accounting: staff said the funds remain protected to meet obligations and that anything not expended from the reserved batch would revert to surplus and be declared by the treasurer's office. Staff also noted the county maintains a separate budget line for unpaid bills from prior fiscal years.

The commission approved the reserve by motion and recorded a voice vote of "aye," and staff said most of the reserved funds are expected to be expended by August as departments complete payments.