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Bel Air commissioners approve $106,056 amendment to 2025 general fund budget
Summary
The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners approved Resolution 12 54-25 on July 21 to amend the fiscal 2025 budget, increasing the general fund by $106,056 to reflect updated revenues and expenditures, including real property tax increases and ARPA-funded projects.
The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners on July 21 approved Resolution 12 54-25, amending the town’s fiscal year 2025 general fund budget by $106,056 to account for updated revenues and unanticipated expenses. The board voted unanimously to adopt the amendment after staff presented the revisions.
The amendment adjusts revenues and appropriations across multiple departments. Town staff said the general fund increases from $18,622,946 to $18,729,002, reflecting higher real property tax receipts and other revenue changes. "Real property taxes, $120,000 increase based on assessments received," staff said. The amendment also records a $411,937 federal American Rescue Plan Act increase tied to the addition of George Street phase 3 and related costs.
The budget revision responds to a mix of revenue changes and unplanned costs. Notable adjustments listed by staff included a $163,000 increase in income taxes; a $33,000 drop in admission and amusement tax receipts; a $30,276 reduction to the police protection grant after final quarter distributions; a $39,000 increase in Bel Air Armory rental fees; and a $178,690 increase in red light camera receipts. On expenditures, the amendment added a $75,571 employee bonus for staff employed as of June 20, 2025; increased planning net spending by $201,668; added $31,000 for higher electric and maintenance costs at town buildings; and moved certain capital reserve projects back into operating budgets.
Board members asked clarifying questions during the presentation and staff responded with the line-item changes and reasoning. After discussion, the board voted: Commissioner Rutledge, Aye; Commissioner Chismar, Aye; Commissioner Taylor, Aye; Commissioner Chance, Aye; Chair Eddington, Aye. The motion to approve the amended resolution was recorded as passed.
The amendment will be reflected in the town’s published budget documents and in department spending controls for the rest of fiscal 2025. Staff signaled that removing or delaying some capital projects (including the Mall and Paul Comfort Station project) accounted for a portion of the net change. No public testimony was offered during the public hearing on the budget amendment prior to the vote.
The board’s action completes the formal amendment process; subsequent monthly financial reports will show the updated balances and departmental allocations.
