The Holland City Council on June 18 approved fiscal year 2025 year-end budget amendments that include increased general fund revenue, targeted transfers to reserves, and an accounting timing decision to shift a $1.9 million pension-related payment into the next fiscal year.

Lynn (Fiscal Services Director) told council the city received a late personal property tax replacement reimbursement and proposes increasing general fund revenues by $494,450; matching expenditure authority is included. The amendments also add $270,300 to the transfer to budget stabilization, bringing that transfer to $305,300, and increase the transfer to the civic center by a little more than $200,000 to cover first-year management changes at the facility.

“We still are ending our general fund, our fund balance slightly higher than the high end of our target range, which is a good thing,” the fiscal director said during the presentation.

Council and staff also discussed a previously planned $1,900,000 allocation intended to reduce the city's unfunded pension liability. Staff said the timing of that transaction was deferred to fiscal year 2026 to allow additional analysis and to coordinate with MERS (the Municipal Employees' Retirement System) reporting. Lynn said moving the authority into FY2026 does not remove the obligation but allows more prudent timing given volatility in financial markets and additional guidance from MERS.

Councilmember Raymond moved to approve the year-end amendments; Soule supported the motion. The clerk recorded unanimous yes votes and the motion carried.

Staff indicated the detailed list of amendments is in the meeting packet and offered to return with further explanation at the upcoming study session. The finance director also noted technology changes to bill-payment options launching in tax bills, including a no-fee automatic payment enrollment for residents.