City staff propose supplemental budget increases for fire department, seek transfers from contingency and reserves

City staff and elected officials spent a work session reviewing proposed supplemental appropriations and accounting corrections that would adjust the 2024–25 budget, including a proposed increase to the fire department budget and several interfund transfers.

Steve (staff member) opened the packet and summarized the two resolutions under discussion, saying, “When you approve your budget, you approve the appropriations of the budget. That means how are you gonna spend the money.” He presented a draft supplemental resolution and the detailed worksheets staff want the council to approve or correct before the formal vote.

Why it matters: these adjustments would change how the city obligates existing revenue and reserves for operations this fiscal year. If the council approves the supplemental appropriation and the matching transfers, departments assessed as over-budget on certain line items would be able to finish the fiscal year without triggering out‑of‑balance findings at audit close.

Most significant items discussed

- Fire department: Staff said the 2024–25 fire budget line is currently recorded at about $963,000 and recommended adding roughly $134,000 to that line to cover overtime and other costs through fiscal year end. Staff explained some of the overtime…