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April report shows $3 million projected general-fund deficit; committee moves to read and file
Summary
The finance committee was presented with the city's April financial report showing a projected $3 million general fund shortfall; the committee recommended the report be read and filed and asked for follow-ups on purchase orders, permit revenue and health insurance claims.
The New Haven Board of Alders finance committee reviewed the city's April monthly financial report on June 9, 2025 and was told the general fund was projected to finish the fiscal year with a potential $3,000,000 deficit.
"As of April, we are showing in the general fund that there is potential to have the $3,000,000 general fund deficit," Sharon Whitill, the budget director, said during her presentation. She told the committee the April projection included a $4,400,000 deficit that the Board of Education had reported and noted the projection remains a "moving number" because of outstanding encumbrances and forthcoming invoices.
Whitill told the committee there are roughly $40,000,000 in encumbrances (outstanding purchase orders) that could return to the general fund if they are not spent; she said it was too early to say how much of that total will be unspent and booked back. On revenue, Whitill said taxes were coming in slightly better than budget and that building permits and fees were about $2,900,000 above budget; she also said investment income was up about $2,000,000 compared with expectations.
Committee members asked about health-insurance claims and the volatility of that line. Whitill said claims had been variable and that the recent monthly average on the high end could approach $8,000,000, making health-care costs an area to watch for the final months of the fiscal year. "We do think that there could be a bit of a deficit in that budget line," she said.
After discussion and questions, the committee voted to recommend that the full board "read and file" the April monthly financial report. The motion to move item 2 (the monthly financial report) to read and file was made and seconded; the chair called the voice vote and the motion carried.
Committee members asked for follow-up information on permit revenue timing and whether permit fees are refunded if projects do not begin, and they asked staff to present additional detail on the state budget increases the presenter referenced for the next meeting. No public testimony was offered on the financial report.
