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Council approves first reading of supplemental appropriations; staff cites interfund transfers to cover carryovers
Summary
On first reading the council approved Ordinance No. 25-3781, adding supplemental appropriations and interfund transfers to fund carryover capital projects and workforce costs; staff said auditor reviewed and approved the approach.
Plainview — The Plainview City Council on Sept. 9 approved on first reading an ordinance making supplemental appropriations for the current fiscal year that move money among city funds to cover carryover capital projects and other adjustments.
City staff described the appropriations as transfers within budgeted funds to cover shortages or carryovers from the previous year and to add supplemental funds to the capital improvements program. The council discussed the use of interfund transfers from enterprise funds to the general fund; staff said the transfers were reviewed with the city’s auditor and compared with practices in other Texas cities (staff reported consulting Amarillo) and described the transfers as legal though not typical.
Why it matters: The appropriations change the allocation of budgeted funds for the current fiscal year and enable planned capital projects and salary/operational needs identified during the prior 12 months. Using enterprise-fund transfers to support the general fund can have implications for utility reserves and future utility-funded projects.
Details and council discussion: - Ordinance No. 25-3781 moves supplemental funds into the capital improvements program and adjusts internal transfers among funds to cover carryovers. - Staff justification: Transfers support employee pay competitiveness, infrastructure needs and other strategic priorities identified in July and August council sessions; auditor review and outreach to another city (Amarillo) were cited in support of the approach. - Council members asked staff to justify interfund transfers and confirm due diligence; staff said the auditor reviewed and approved the transfers and that the practice, while not typical, is permissible.
Action taken: Ordinance No. 25-3781 (appropriation of supplemental funds) passed first reading on a unanimous vote (8–0). The ordinance will return for final adoption at the required second reading.
Next steps: Staff will monitor and, if necessary, adjust transfers during the next budget cycle and present the ordinance for a final vote at the council’s scheduled second-reading meeting.
