Stevensville council approves FY24-25 budget amendments; debate continues on FY25-26 budget and staffing training funds

The Stevensville Town Council approved a resolution amending the town’s fiscal year 2024–25 budget and heard extended discussion about the preliminary fiscal year 2025–26 budget during its Sept. 11 meeting, including a separate approved amendment to add $3,000 for emergency medical technician (EMT) training for the fire department.

The council voted 3‑0 to approve Resolution No. 573, the FY24–25 budget amendments, after finance staff described awarded grant revenues and line‑item changes. Robert, a member of the town finance staff, told the council the largest amendments included a $9,100 increase to the building code enforcement fund “because we have more inspections than we anticipated” and a $147,000 grant from House Bill 357 that offset planned spending on Spring Street and railroad work.

Why it matters: The FY24–25 amendments move grant and one‑time revenues into the operating accounts and capital funds so staff can pay outstanding project bills and track assets more transparently. The council’s extended review of the FY25–26 draft budget highlighted questions about reserve levels, transparency of wage schedules, and how one‑time revenues and grant awards are shown in the package.

Most important facts: For the FY24–25 amendments, staff identified the following adjustments: a $9,100 increase to the building code enforcement fund for additional…