Council introduces final amendment to 2024–25 appropriations ordinance; first reading set for June 17

Assistant Finance and Budget Director Nick Mackey presented the final amendment to the city’s appropriations ordinance for fiscal year 2024–25 and explained projected revenue and expenditure changes through June 30. Mackey told the council general fund revenues are projected to be $5.8 million (approximately 4.5%) higher than budget due primarily to a tier 3 property tax reimbursement received in May; he said the city proposes using one‑time revenues for capital needs.

Mackey said the proposed amendment includes a $4 million transfer to the Facilities Improvement Fund earmarked for future renovations to Fire Station 5. He told the council general fund expenditures were about 3.4% greater than budget, including $700,000 higher health insurance claims and a $1.2 million increase in fire department costs driven by contractual wage adjustments and overtime related to vacancies. Excluding the insurance increase, most departments came in under budget. He said the city will add $200,000 to the general fund balance and that the general fund balance would remain about 30% of expenditures; he also cited the city’s AA bond rating.

Councilmember Zarko moved to introduce the final amendment to the appropriations ordinance for 2024–25; the motion was supported and carried. Mackey said this was the first reading and that formal adoption is scheduled for the June 17 council meeting. No substantive amendment was made at the meeting.