Dickinson commission approves 2024 year-end report, new finance positions and write-off extension

The Dickinson City Commission approved an unaudited 2024 year‑end financial report, amended a write‑off resolution to extend collection on one small account and voted to create two positions in the finance department during its March 4 meeting.

Deputy City Administrator Carlson presented the year‑end summary, saying the city brought in roughly $24.2 million in General Fund revenue in 2024 while General Fund expenditures were about $24.7 million, leaving an operating difference of about $534,000. Carlson told the commission enterprise funds (utilities) finished the year with revenues above budget and that total citywide funds showed revenues exceeded expenditures by $684,849, roughly a 1 percent variance. She also flagged that oil‑impact revenues and SRF loan reimbursements were important factors in the year’s results.

The report is unaudited; Carlson recommended the commission accept the summary as required under state law. The commission approved the 2024 year‑end report by recorded vote.

Carlson also asked the commission to approve encumbrances (budgeted funds carried into 2025 for goods or services not completed in 2024) and several small accounts receivable write‑offs where collection efforts had been exhausted. The encumbrances included line items such as $22,900 for demolition projects (Buildings & Codes), $45,000 for Microsoft SQL licensing (Information Technology), $7,800 and $9,000 for museum repairs and a blacksmith shop pad, and two $10,000 items for police technology and equipment maintenance. The commission approved those encumbrances and the proposed write‑offs after brief discussion.

Commissioners asked for additional attempts to collect a $1,654.40 account before discharge; the body amended Resolution O7‑2025 to extend collection efforts on that account for one more year and then approved the amended resolution.

On staffing, the commission approved an amended job description for the Deputy Finance Director and approved a new full‑time Finance Technician position. The revised Deputy Finance Director description raises the grade level from 17 to 20 and specifies a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field; a CPA or master’s degree is listed as desired. The draft retains a minimum of six years of municipal accounting experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Commissioners amended the draft to state explicitly that a bachelor’s degree in accounting (or accounting/finance/related field) is required.

The new Finance Technician position is classified at grade 12 (non‑exempt) with a starting wage shown as $20.97 per hour. Carlson and other staff described the role as a float supporting accounts receivable, utility billing, municipal court and customer service functions and said the position would be funded from the finance department budget with wage contingency offset if needed. The commission approved the finance technician position after discussion about workload and existing hiring restraint; the recorded vote included two dissenting votes but the motion carried.

IT Director Meyer briefly presented replacement and lease renewals for four city printers (City Hall, library public use, Bailey Building). Meyer said three machines will be replaced and one will be a lease renewal, with expected savings of about $90 per month (approximately $1,100 per year). The commission approved the printer contracts.

The items approved at the meeting will move forward to implementation by the finance and administrative staff; several commissioners asked for follow‑up reporting on staffing recruitment, encumbrance spending and ongoing collection attempts for discharged accounts.