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Bel Air audits show FY24 surplus; sewer and parking enterprises report anticipated losses, commissioners review budget priorities
Summary
The town’s FY24 audit shows a $486,000 general‑fund surplus, a $389,000 increase to the capital reserve and no internal control deficiencies. Enterprise funds showed a $112,000 parking loss and a $330,000 sewer fund loss, and staff warned future Harford County sewer rate increases may require rate adjustments.
Bel Air finance officials presented the FY24 audit Wednesday and commissioners reviewed several operating and capital budget items ahead of the May town meeting.
Finance Director Lisa reported the FY24 general fund ended with about $486,000 more in revenues than expenditures. "The general fund had $486,000 and change of revenues over expenditures for FY24," Lisa said, explaining the result was driven by $262,000 more revenue than anticipated and $224,000 less spending than budgeted. The town increased its capital reserve by about $389,000 and added $100,000 to the stabilization reserve by formula.
Enterprise funds showed larger, but expected, deficits. The parking fund recorded a $112,000 loss and the sewer fund a $330,000 loss; the sewer result reflected a large county bulk‑rate increase that the town absorbed rather than passing immediately to customers. Lisa told commissioners they may have to propose sewer rate increases above CPI in future years if Harford County‘s charges continue to rise.
Commissioners also reviewed proposed FY26 departmental budgets and capital requests in the same session. Technology staff summarized planned purchases and maintenance contracts, including a new file server, replacement domain controllers and network switches, a migration to Fortinet network gear, replacement of police vehicle laptops on a five‑year rotation and software subscriptions for email security and mapping. IT manager Josh explained the items are largely lifecycle replacements and security improvements; he said the network had seen improved redundancy and uptime under recent upgrades.
Human resources staff summarized pre‑employment physicals, random drug‑testing administration and updated recording secretary pay and recognition expenses. Elections and public relations line items were also reviewed; staff said the town will work with the Harford County Board of Elections for the municipal vote to limit outside vendor costs.
Why this matters: Audit results inform reserve policy and the budget calendar. Enterprise fund deficits — especially for sewer — may require policy changes or rate adjustments to ensure long‑term fund solvency.
What’s next: Commissioners will receive final budget numbers ahead of the May town meeting and continue budget deliberations; staff will report back on parking garage revenue scenarios and targeted sewer‑rate scenarios if county charges continue.
