Sebastian committee approves three quarterly budget amendments after debate over report format and grant details

The Sebastian Budget Review Advisory Committee voted unanimously May 5 to recommend the city council approve three quarterly budget amendment packages covering the July 1–Sept. 30, 2024 fourth quarter and the first two quarters of fiscal 2025.

Committee members said the amendment schedules in their packet documented transfers and year-end adjustments but did not give them the income-statement–style view they have used in prior years to judge overall budget performance and to prepare recommendations for council.

The committee’s concern centered on format and context rather than the specific amendments. “This is simply amendments and adjustments to the original budget,” said Mr. Stewart, the city’s finance director, describing the packets staff provided to the committee. City Manager Bridal Benton told the committee the materials were intended to bring the city’s records up to date after staffing changes and promised an income-statement comparison of budget-to-actual and prior-year figures at a future meeting. “We will do that, and we will get that information to you all,” Benton said.

The packet contained three amendment groups: the FY2024 fourth-quarter adjustments (covering July 1–Sept. 30, 2024), FY2025 first…