Council briefed on small second 2025‑26 budget amendment; staffing additions and grant offsets noted

City finance staff briefed the Auburn City Council on July 28 on a second, smaller 2025–26 budget amendment that would add carry‑forward authority, grant‑funded programs and limited staffing authority. The amendment is primarily housekeeping following the larger first amendment earlier in the year. Director Thomas said the general fund requests include one missed 2024 carry forward ($15,000) and six programs with offsetting revenue. Staff asked for authority for two new personnel items: a temporary communications employee for the remainder of 2025 and one full‑time court and probation services administrator. The 2025 partial‑year cost for the court position was presented as approximately $85,900 (assuming a Sept. 1 hire); staff estimated the fully loaded 2026 cost at about $258,000. Other requested items include grant revenues for capital projects, increased recreation fees to cover seasonal staffing and an insurance recovery for signal repairs. The leisure and tourism advisory committee (LTAC) grant requests—described in other briefing slides—were included for budget authority. Staff told council the communications temporary hire was proposed to help accommodate elevated social‑media and communications workload as well as internal service demands across departments. Councilmembers asked for clarification on which items are operating expenditures and which are capital carry forwards. Staff said each grant and carry forward has matching revenue authority and that project carry forwards represent funds expected but not yet received in 2024. No council action was taken during the study session; staff will return with formal amendment paperwork in the consent or regular agenda as scheduled.