Finance director: revenues ahead of estimates; library grant moving toward bids

Judy, a staff member overseeing city finances, reported that revenues for November exceeded expectations and that most expenditure lines are in line with budgeted levels as the city approaches year-end adjustments.

Judy told the New London City Council that license and permit revenue was about $106,000 above estimates for the year, with building, heating and electrical permits accounting for a significant portion of the increase. Interest earnings were at about $35,000 and were expected to total closer to $40,000–$45,000 by year end. On the expenditure side she said most large insurance items are paid early in the year and that, excluding capital moves, the operating budget looked sound for the year to date. She also said that several capital items are funded from previously designated funds and that the city had anticipated using $859,000 from designated funds for capital when moving amounts between operating and capital budgets.

On staffing and operations, Judy said the administration budgeted for adding a second position in the building/zoning office mid-year and that hiring would likely occur around July. She also described the tax bill process: the city compiles levy and tax-credit information and sends final files to Waupaca and Outagamie counties to print and mail tax bills; the county vendor TTEC is used for tax collection in at least one county.

Judy and Chad updated the council on the library project funded by a state grant. The city engaged a grant administrator (FSA) to assist with documentation. The contract with the construction firm Keller Structures was renegotiated to comply with grant requirements and the Department of Administration (state DOA) is reviewing the project paperwork. Judy said she expects the state to send the formal grant agreement in the coming weeks, after which bid packets are expected to go out and a bid opening could occur in February. The construction is expected to begin in June or July and must be completed by the end of 2026 per the grant timetable.

Council members also discussed the city wellness program and whether elected officials should be eligible to use recreation facilities under the program; staff said the wellness committee will consider the suggestion and consult the city attorney before bringing any policy change to finance and personnel for approval.

Judy said the city will prepare detailed year-end adjustments at the next meeting and that the single-audit work associated with federal grant compliance will take place in 2026.

Next steps: staff will return with year-end financial adjustments and a formal presentation of any recommended changes to wellness policy after committee review and attorney consultation.